swiss motorcycle tours

Our motorcycle tours in Switzerland

• Motorcycle tours

Switzerland offers a diverse culture, gorgeous scenery, and unforgettable riding!

Imagine carving mountain switchbacks with the slight sting of fresh, cold alpine air hitting your lungs. Imagine riding from city to city, taking in the architecture, cuisine, culture, and the mind-blowing scenery. If any of that got you the slightest bit excited, then you’re in the right place! Planet Ride seeks out only the best motorcycle tours Switzerland has to offer and conveniently features them all in one place for you to compare side by side. We work with expert guides who live in Switzerland and are true locals, and those who at least have a deep familiarity with the country. They operate Switzerland road trip motorcycle adventures that feature unforgettable itineraries and experiences.

Even though I have travelled across the world, Europe continues to hold a special place in my heart and I am always excited about exploring this beautiful region.  In all…

Visit Bellagio city with your motorbike.

Climb the mythic Stelvio pass and discover what mountain riding is really like!

Contemplate the Tre Cime di Lavaredo after ascending the mountain pass.

A motorcycle in the Swiss alps

For example, Laurent lives in France but regularly runs tours through the Swiss Alps. A great one is the 10-day Alps Tour, which starts on the French side of Lake Leman, in Thonon-Les-Baines, and heads straight into the mountains on your first day of riding. Sitting atop a BMW F650 GS, F700 GS, R1200 RT, or LC 1200 GS, you’re guaranteed a reliable and powerful machine for this Switzerland road trip motorcycle adventure. Now, with Interlaken, Switzerland as your destination for day two, you’ll stop off in Gruyere (famous for the cheese of the same name), conquer the Chablais massif, and relax beside the unbelievably blue waters of Lake Brienz after a solid day of riding. Surrounded by jagged, snow-capped peaks, and situated between the stunning glacial waters of two lakes, the scenery in Interlaken will be nothing short of incredible. There’s plenty of physical adventure to be had as well, as Interlaken is the outdoor and action sports capital of Switzerland. You’ll have easy access to skydiving, bungee jumping, hiking, white-water rafting, canyoning, and more.

Hopefully, you’re still up for more because day three starts the excitement all over again. Setting out from Interlaken, you’ll attack the longest day of the trip with an adrenaline rush from the slew of hairpin turns and outrageously beautiful mountain views. Specifically, you’ll make your way up and over the passes of Gotthard, Furka, and Grimsel. Deep in the heart of the Swiss Alps, these mountain passes will make for an unforgettable road trip experience. After leaving Switzerland, you’ll continue through Italy, Austria, and Germany before returning to France. There’s a nearly endless number of motorcycle tours Europe can offer, but few will have the same slideshow of breathtaking views as this Alps tour!

Whether you include them before, during, or after your motorcycle tours Switzerland has a ton of culture to explore and sights to see. Located between France, Germany, and Italy, Switzerland is an amalgam of cultures, distinctly influenced by each of its three neighbors. The fact that French, German, and Italian are all official national languages should give you a good idea. Switzerland has a wealth of natural wonders that should not be missed. Mountain peaks like the Matterhorn, Eiger, and Jungfrau stand resolute and menacing, yet strikingly beautiful. Water, from the lakes of Lucerne and Oeschinensee to the frozen glacier of Aletsch adds another element of beauty. Further still are sights like the Rhine Falls and the innumerable bucolic alpine valleys with green grass, farms, and quaint villages beset by mountain peaks.

The man-made wonders are nearly equal in number. Gorgeous castles abound, like those of Chillon and Bellinzona, as well as other destinations, such as the vineyards of Lavaux, the Abbey of St. Gallen, and the nearly 300-meter tall dam of Grande Dixence. Switzerland’s cities also offer plenty to see and do. Zurich is a major center of international banking and the arts, with dozens of museums and galleries, as well as numerous restaurants, bars, and nightclubs; Geneva is practically the definition of cosmopolitan and international! There, you’ll find hundreds of governmental and non-governmental organizations, including the United Nations, Red Cross, and others; and Bern with its impressively well-preserved old town.

It’s well understood that Switzerland is known for its mountains, but the geography does vary to include rolling hills, numerous large lakes, and even some flat plains. The variety in landscapes brings with it quite a bit of difference in weather. In general, though, the climate is temperate, with warm, humid summers, and cold, snowy winters. Also, the higher the altitude, the colder and snowier it will be! With that in mind, we would recommend a road trip between May and October. No matter when you plan your motorcycle tours Switzerland is not hard to get to. With major international airports in Zurich, Geneva, and Basel, along with numerous regular trains to countries throughout Europe, getting into the country will be relatively simple.

Beyond that, there isn’t much to worry about. Switzerland is one of the safest countries in Europe and the world. Use common sense, and you’re likely to be just fine. However, be sure to learn and follow the local traffic laws – Switzerland is strict and can be unforgiving when it comes to speeding and other offenses! Nothing is going to ruin a road trip faster than an accident, hefty fine, or loss of your driving license!

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The most beautiful route of the week: the Stelvio pass on Moto

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«Switzerland» on a motorcycle

Discover the sights and natural wonders of Switzerland with a local guide

Discover Switzerland and its alpine passes with a motorcycle:  The time to discover and to ride the Swiss alpine roads is short. Take the expertise of a local Swiss tour guide and enjoy a stress-free motorcycling holiday in Switzerland.  

Twincruiser Tours offers guided and self-guided tours with motorcycles in Switzerland and the Alps.  You enjoy a worry- and stress-free motorcycle holiday where no-one must prove anything to anyone. 

Switzerland is small on the world map , but it will probably take you a lifetime to discover it all. I did not make the roads winding through the enchanting landscape, but I did spend countless hours finding and assessing the roads that I offer in my itineraries. As local and experienced guide I will make you discover Switzerland’s most scenic drives along open roads on two wheels! With me you will discover thoroughly some of the beauties of that alpine country and find a multitude of unique characteristics and details! Have a look and get inspired at my standard tours and the picture gallery . Don’t underestimate Switzerland, there is a multitude of tours with various possibilities; depending on your interests and available time, I design you very personal tour with a hired motorcycle. Let me introduce you into the “real Swiss life” with a ride along epic itineraries, through spectacular landscapes and meandering mountain passes. Switzerland’s excellent roads offer unique conditions to be discovered consciously on a motorcycle. 

My holiday, my time, my motorcycle tour

See Switzerland your way on a motorcycle. Do you know that feeling, you’re in group of people and each one wants something else. That was the main reason why I no longer offer tours for bikers that do not know each other. My tours are tailored to your interests and just for you and your friends. Find out more with your Twincruiser Tours guide! It is the perfect way to discover and enjoy more of Switzerland. You have the freedom to choose what you want and I have more room for flexibility and individuality. You don’t have to worry about languages, creating the best itinerary with enough time to enjoy in an unknown country, getting information about traffic rules, customs with their entry and exit requirements, local laws, health conditions, booking adequate accommodations, tickets and finding a good restaurant with local specialties. How long is your holiday? How much time do you want to invest in your motorcycling in Switzerland?

The motorcycling season in Switzerland is short ; it starts in June and ends in September. If  you want to be on the safe side, especially if you come from Australia or the USA, plan it from the third week in June until mid-September. Anything else is taking chances, where you will lose money, trust me! Twincruiser Tours organizes the complete trip with all its details and is here to support you while you enjoy your motorcycle tour.  

Touring Switzerland on a motorcycle: Authentic itineraries on open roads along magnificent scenery with your English speaking Swiss tour guide 

“Switzerland is small! How long should I stay in Switzerland?” Granted, Switzerland is small if you look at it on a world map in terms of area. What make it different, is the immense diversity. Within a tiny distance between various regions, you discover completely different and unique particularities.

Therefore, you are very much mistaken, if you think that a few days are sufficient to explore the whole of Switzerland. As with every holiday, it depends on your interests, on what you like to do, to see, to understand and to experience. Is your aim to rush straight through to some point of interests? To quickly shoot a picture with your mobile and to put in into the social media, so that you can say, I was there? And finally to tick an item off your bucket-list? Or do you rather want to see inside, with a local, meet genuine people, try authentic things and be part, even if it just for a while, be part of Switzerland. To what do you compare Switzerland? Most important is its particularities and how “deep” you want to discover the Swiss Alps, Switzerland, and the Swiss people. Swiss alpine roads are often very narrow single lane strips with technical switchbacks, challenging bends and hairpin turns. Some sections are not for the faint-earthed as there are no guardrails between the vertical drop at the edge of the road and you with your vehicle.

Which type are you? A touring-motorcyclist, a photographer, a nature lover, a foodie, a culture vulture, a thrill seeker, a pioneer, a soul searcher, or something else? With Twincruiser Tours your motorcycle holiday is tailored to your personal ideas, preferences, and taste.

Switzerland is packed with details. There is plenty to discover, to learn about, to understand and to appreciate; and all that happens within a few short miles; Swiss people are divided in four different languages in three regions (The Jura, the central plateau, and the Alps). Our caring and experienced tour-guide will get you at your own pace without wasting time, to the point. You received valuable information and tips that you would struggle to find in any book or spent many hours on the World Wide Web. A journey along spectacular and challenging roads, through charming villages, gorgeous landscape, green valley’s, crystal-clear lakes, millions of rivers falling off the mountains, deep gorges, and frightening glaciers, over the famous high Alps covered with snow and through high frosted peaks; a paradise for every connoisseur that cares and loves nature.

Enjoy it all, from a different angle in the saddle of a motorbike ; escorted with a local and multilingual Swiss tour-guide you’ll get familiar with the Swiss-people; their four languages, Swiss German in various dialects and slang, French, Italian and Romansh, their attitude, freakishness of punctuality, customs and traditions, cuisine and lots of other things that you may find totally strange, bizarre and difficult to understand. Switzerland and the Swiss! Not everybody understand why we are the way we are. .. but many appreciate and actually love the way we are!

Excellent tours with motorcycles in Switzerland: Ride to the top until you meet the Edelweiss and the Gentian!  

I grew up bilingual in Switzerland and lived over a third of my life in foreign English-speaking countries. That made me open-minded and familiar in understanding others’ opinions, cultures, way of thinking and lifestyle. Sometimes, my heart is in the African bush, and my soul is in Switzerland. Switzerland and Europe are hugely different to other countries. You will not find a similar piece of land that offers so many curiosities, stories, and attractions within such a short distance. Most people rush through Switzerland and Europe and do not notice the various particularities and details. Within a few miles or kilometers, a huge diversity: The language, the cuisine with its regional gourmets and specialties, the traditions, the shape and the architecture of the houses, all are changing within a few miles or kilometers. I will make you aware of it, so you will not miss it. They are all worth discovering and I will need a long life to discover them all.  With my valued planning system, my unique Twincruiser Tours package, my knowledge, and sense of humor, I will make sure that you get the best of what you really want!   

My website shows just a small selection of what I offer. Since nearly 50 years, I design, plan, and organize motorcycle tours and holidays. Contact me for your very own personal and tailored Swiss Holiday .

Simply… different…

Stress-free travel packages : Your way to enjoy your luxury holiday with motorcycle with complete peace of mind. You holiday begins at your Swiss landing place; whether you arrive at the Swiss airports of Genève-Cointrin, Zürich-Kloten or Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg or at the railway station in Bern, I will be there to welcome you and make you feel at ease in a foreign country.

Get to the point, leave the small talk!

Saying things just to say something, not with me. I prefer to look into your eyes and have deep and authentic talks. The time we spend together is mostly short, therefore let’s get to know each other and have some real good chats. Depending on what you say and the things I find out during our conversation, I will adjust the tour. Don’t worry, I will get you to the discussed and confirmed attractions and reveal some secrets. Due to the over-tourism and mass-tourism, I keep many attractions and special places to myself and do no longer publish them. I have gone away from most social media, because for me, social means to be personally with you. Walking or driving through cities like Bern, Interlaken, Brienz, Genève or Geneva, Interlaken, Gstaad, Lausanne, Basel, Lucerne, Lugano, Ascona, Montreux, Saas-Fee, Täsch, Zermatt, Schaffhausen or Zürich on your own or with me won’t be the same.

Below a few remarkable examples for you to help you make a choice and to decide what you’d like us to combine with your visit:

• The château of Chillon.
• Train journey with the Glacier Express.
• Rack steam railway Brienz Rothorn with the view of not less than 693 peaks built in 1892.
• A weekend in Zermatt with the Matterhorn or Cervin.
• A walk in the snow at the Top of Europe with the Eiger, Mönch and the Jungfrau.
• Enjoy a meal in the revolving restaurant Piz Gloria at the Schilthorn, (James Bond movie «On Her Majesty’s Secret Service»).
• Discover the filming location of the various James Bond movies.
• Ride up to the Niesen alongside the longest stairway in the world with 11’674 steps!
• Legend and Myth at mount Pilatus? True or false? You find your own answer at the place where a long time ago, dragons with healing powers lived!
• Find the five members of the “Tatzel-worm” family in the 1,4km or just under a mile long Aare Gorge that was formed over thousands of years.
• Go back in time on the lake of Thun with the steam paddle boat “Blümlisalp” built in 1906.
• Pet a Saint Bernard dog, the real Swiss dog and hear about Barry, the Swiss icon born in 1’800 rescued and saved the lives of over 40 people in the Alps!
• Challenge the strength of a motorboat against Europe’s largest waterfall, the Rhine Falls.
• Walk over the Chapel Bridge, stop at the Lion Monument and rest a while in the Jesuit Church in Lucerne.
• Hike in the Swiss National Park near Zernez. (Hiking only with appropriate shoes, please)
• Taste some of the unknown Swiss wines along the Lavaux UNESCO World Heritage.
• See interesting places where personalities like Albert Einstein, Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, known as Le Corbusier, Alberto Giacometti, Louis-Joseph Chevrolet that emigrated to the USA to set up Chevrolet in Detroit in 1911, followed by the Frontenac Motor Company in 1916, Charlie Chaplin, Freddy Mercury and his Mountain Studio, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and many others lived.
• The list is long. I know a lot and I won’t run out of suggestions! Take your time to enjoy!

Switzerland, the Swiss Alps, and discovery tours with motorcycles (motorcycle tours)

Switzerland was founded on the first of August 1291, which is also a national holiday and was declared a neutral state in 1515. Switzerland is a mountainous country in the middle of Europe and is not connected to an ocean, it is landlocked. It can be reached through three main international airports, Zürich (Kloten), Geneva (Cointrin) an Basel-Mulhouse, or by train, bus, motorcycle or by car from another European country. Switzerland does not have a capital and Bern is the federal city of Switzerland. Switzerland’s area covers 41’285 square kilometers (15’940,228 square miles) and their roughly 8,5 million people live on a habitable area of 15’700 square kilometers (6’061,80 square miles). This results on an average population density of around 541 people per square kilometers (about 1’402 people per square mile) as more than 60% of the total area is covered by rivers, lakes, forests, hills, mountains, Alps and glaciers. The mountain belt stretches across eight alpine countries, is 1’200 kilometers long (746 miles) and has 82 peaks above 4’000 meters (13’123 feet) above sea level. Out of these 82 ices- and snow- covered majestic peaks, 48 are located within Switzerland, you won’t find this anywhere else; no wonder that Switzerland is called the Roof of Europe. Switzerland on the map! The north-south length is approximately 220 kilometers (140 miles) and the west-east length about 350 kilometers (220 miles). Would it be flattened; it would reach a surface over the half of the USA: Most visitors underestimate the traveling time in the mountainous Switzerland. Our tip is to plan journeys of a minimum of 8-10 days. And who knows? You might come back for more.  Switzerland has 26 cantons and each one has its independence. Four languages Romansh, French, Italian and German or rather Swiss German with various dialects are spoken. The motorcycle season in Switzerland is very short. Depending on the opening of the alpine passes, the season for motorcycles starts around mid-June and ends during September. I experienced snow falls during August and let me tell you that, on a motorcycle it is not funny. It will block you, you might have a bad experience, it will definitely cost you money and believe me, they is no immediate way out. If you are unsure, contact me , I will most probably save you a lot of time, unnecessary costs and expenses and give you a true and right information that you can rely on. 

There is a multitude of places to discover.   Are you one of these very high paced traveller?  Quickly a picture to put into one of these social medias and hope they we go to the next highlight. There is much more than just riding and rushing through Lucerne with the mount Pilatus and the River Reuss, the Titlis, Interlaken with the Jungfrau, Eiger, Top of Europe, Grindelwald and the lakes of Thun and Brienz, Zermatt with the Matterhorn and the Gornergrad Railway, Zürich, Lausanne, and Geneva to name some main tourist magnets.  The trick is to know what, when and how! With an experienced and local insider guide, I  will save you a lot of time, make you see more and deeper with a knowledge that only an indigenous can give you and you will be much less stressed. Don’t forget you are on a holiday to recover from the daily routine life! 

As experienced and local tourist guide , I am able to offer you various packages to natural beauties and attractions for an unforgettable holiday with or without a motorcycle or another vehicle in Switzerland.

Motorcycling in Switzerland- the Ultimate Guide

Planning a motorbike trip to Switzerland? Want to tour some of the most beautiful roads and mountains in Europe? Here’s everything you need to know to go motorcycling in Switzerland, step-by-step.

Don’t forget to grab your FREE motorcycle maintenance checklist below to help you get ready for your trip.

*We work hard to make this the best motorcycle touring & tips website possible. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own . Ride safe!

Motorcycling in Switzerland – why you should go!

When you think of Switzerland, what comes to mind? Mountains? Lakes? Chocolate? Switzerland is all that- and so much more. The nature, the wildlife and the friendliness of the people are all wonderful reasons to visit.

You can explore Switzerland using public transport, but it’s so much better if you have your own vehicle- whether that’s a motorhome or campervan, a car, caravan or of course a motorbike.

One of the best things about being able to explore Switzerland by motorcycle touring is that you can see the differences between the regions and really get a feel for the country in a short space of time.

In this guide, we’re going to share with you everything you need to know to for motorbike trips to Switzerland, including getting to Switzerland from the UK or abroad and planning your route, where to stay, some road trip ideas and places to visit, driving tips and other practical advice to help you have an amazing Swiss road trip.

Motorcycle touring in Switzerland- Where to go

When planning a motorcycle trip to Switzerland, the first thing you need to do is decide where you’re going (and how long you want to go for!)

There are some incredible roads in Switzerland. INCREDIBLE. Some of the highlights include:

• Gotthard Pass
• St Bernard Pass
• Albula Pass

but there are literally hundreds of other roads and routes too. Basically, pick a road in the Swiss Alps and you’ll be in riding heaven. Make sure you bring a motorcycle camera or helmet cam – the scenery is spectacular.

How long to go for?

If you’re riding from the UK to Switzerland (we’ll cover that shortly), you need to allow at least a day to get from arriving in France (by either ferry or Eurotunnel) to the Swiss border. And that’s a long day of solid riding (it’s about 7 and a quarter hours (685km) from Calais to Basel, on the north-west border of Switzerland with France.

You can easily visit and explore Switzerland for just a few days or a week and it’s quite easy to drive around. Of course, if you have 10-14 days, you can see a lot more of the country.

How long does it take to drive across Switzerland?

Switzerland isn’t a huge country and you can drive across it quite quickly if you use the main roads.

As a guide, if you wanted to drive from Basel to Como (on the Italian border near Milan), it will take about 4 hours (300km)

If you want to travel across Switzerland from West to East, Geneva (on the western border with France) to St Moritz (in the East) will take about 5 and a half hours (480km)

However, much of the country is made up of the Alps (BIG mountains), so riding those take a lot longer as the roads are full of hairpin bends and steep inclines! Don’t underestimate how long a journey will take you, especially if you’re towing bikes on a trailer in a larger vehicle.

TOP TIP: If you want to drive into northern Italy and the Dolomites , you might find it faster to go through France and then through Italy, rather than negotiating the Swiss Mountains. Get more Italy motorcycling tips.

Best time to go touring in Switzerland

Switzerland is worth visiting at any time of the year, but for different reasons.

If you want to be able to drive freely and have all attractions open, go between April and October. Summer is very busy in the cities and major attractions, but the mountains are fairly empty.

Spring in Switzerland

Spring is lovely- as long as it’s after April. Although technically Spring starts on 21 February, the snows don’t fade until around the end of March, so April, May and June are a great time to visit. Avoid the Easter holidays if you can- prices get hiked up then.

But the flowers are beautiful- be sure to check out the Morges Tulip Festival at Lake Geneva in April. You can also visit Gruyeres on the first Sunday of May for the annual Cheese Festival- expect to try lots of yummy samples.

Summer road trips in Switzerland

Summer is perfect. Highs hit mid-20s, although it can always feel cool up in the mountains, but the skies are often clear and you can see the Milky Way at night. Of course, these means more people and more traffic, so if you are driving any of the crazy mountain passes, be sure to do it as early as possible to avoid oncoming tour buses!

A great day to be in Switzerland is Swiss National Day on 01 August. The entire country will celebrate with fireworks and parties – and they’re happy for tourists to join in.

Autumn in Switzerland

Autumn is one of my favourite times to be motorcycling in Switzerland. The days are still long and mostly warm, the leaves look amazing as they change colours, and the crowds from summer have gone.

The weather can be chilly at end of October into November and many places close at end of October, so do your research if there’s something specific you want to do or see. If you enjoy wine, don’t miss the Basel Wine Fair which happens at the end of October each year (though obviously don’t drink & ride!)

Winter motorcycling in Switzerland

I’ll be honest, winter in Switzerland starts around the end of November and runs until April. It gets COLD, there will be lots of snow and most of the roads will be closed. The days are also shorter, so you’ll have less time to explore.

Personally, I don’t advice motorcycle touring in Switzerland during winter unless you’re very very used to riding in adverse conditions and have all the appropriate safety and heated gear!

Planning a route from the UK to Switzerland

There are a couple of routes for you to get from the UK to Switzerland.

The most obvious is the Eurotunnel, which is generally cheaper and faster than a ferry. If you use the ‘Chunnel’, you’ll end up in Calais.

The quickest route from Calais to Basel (closest major point in Switzerland) is to the NE of Paris, via the A26 and then the N4. This route is around 685km, should take around 7h 25m and will cost about 33€ in tolls for a small camper or a car (if you’re towing your bikes). A motorhome will cost more.

Route 2 is via A26, then N5 and is 725km long. This will cost a car or small camper around 48€ and is estimated to take 7h 39m

Route 3 is via Belgium on the E411 and then the A4. It’s longer, at 736km, will take 7h 42 but will only cost 9€ on the tolls. So it’s up to you which you choose.

Some top tips for route planning:

• Avoid peak days and times on the Eurotunnel
• Try to avoid driving on the weekends or on bank holidays- LOTS of traffic
• Alternatively, get up early and do as much driving as possible before the traffic hits, then stop and have a nap somewhere safe- a huge advantage of having a motorhome or campervan with a bed with you!!

Motorcycle Hire in Switzerland

If you don’t have your own bike, or don’t want to take it, you can easily fly into Switzerland and hire one. Just make sure to ask how to get from the airport to the rental agency- not all of them are at the airport itself and you might need to book a taxi.

To rent a motorcycle in Switzerland most places will expect you to be:

• 25 years or over, depending on the company’s rental policy; (18 years old for scooters and some very small bikes)
• Have a valid driving licence with at least 2 years experience
• show identification (identity card for EU citizens or a valid passport for other nationalities) 

Make sure you have proof that you can take the vehicle across a border if that’s what you’re planning to do.

Don’t forget, it is YOUR responsibility to make sure the vehicle has the required safety equipment. The on-the-spot fines apply to you as the rider, not the company. Check in advance with the company what kit they will provide with the vehicle and what you will need to bring. If you are  solo motorcycle touring , remember you’ll need to carry everything yourself, including any motorcycle camping kit.

Take a list of what is legally required with you and check it off one by one as you are given the handover. Do not drive until you are happy you comply with the local laws.

You can expect to pay anywhere from 80€-180€/ day- based on model. Make sure you ask the right questions to know what’s included in your rental, such as:

• Mileage limits/ surcharge
• Kit included
• Luggage included
• Helmet rental available
• Pillion allowed
• Breakdown/ insurance cover
• Times & location of pick up/ drop off
• Documents needed

Borders / Customs in Switzerland

Ok, let’s get the technical bit out of the way.

Switzerland is in Europe, but it is NOT in the EU. Therefore, there are border restrictions on what you can/ cannot take into the country (and out.) It also does NOT use the Euro- it uses Swiss Francs. (CHF)

Also, Switzerland IS in the Schengen Area, which means that if you are subject to a 90 day limit on your time in the Schengen Area (like UK passport holders are now after BREXIT), then your time in Switzerland DOES count towards those 90 days.

Tobaccos and spirit limits

If you are entering Switzerland, this is what you can carry with you (for persons older than 17 years)

• 250 units/g cigarettes / cigars / other tobacco products
• 5 litres of alcohol (up to 18% vol.) and 1 litre of alcohol (over 18% vol.)

Border Crossings into Switzerland by road

There are many places where you can drive across the border into Switzerland. Some have a proper, official border where you will be stopped and asked to show your passport and other documentation. Other crossings are literally marked with a flag which you look at as you drive past. There are no guards, no customs control and no barrier.

Don’t forget you will need a vignette (more on that later), so you might need to stop at/ near the border to get one.

Motorcycle rules in Switzerland- what gear do you need to carry?

Just like motorcycling in France , there are certain things you MUST carry with you whilst touring in Switzerland.

Don’t forget, if you are driving through France or another country to get to Switzerland, you need all the kit required by that countries, as well as the kit needed in Switzerland.

Things you need to ride in Switzerland- safety gear

These are the things you MUST have with you when you’re motorcycle touring in Switzerland.

• Wearing a helmet is mandatory for riders and pillions and you will be fined for breaking this. .
• CE certified gloves are also mandatory for rider and pillion
• Hi-vis reflective jackets  – these are not legally required in Switzerland but they are in both France and Germany, so you’ll need them if you’re riding there.
• You do not need headlight beam converters on a motorcycle in Europe unless your headlight points dramatically to the left.
• Country (UK) sticker  attached to the back of bike on reg plates. (NOT the EU or GB sticker anymore!)
• If you wear glasses you MUST carry a spare pair

TOP TIP:  Buy these essentials for riding in Switzerland in advance. If you wait until you’re at the ferry/ tunnel, you could spend THREE times as much!

Recommended bike accessories you MIGHT need when motorcycling in Switzerland

The following kit are things you might want to carry in your kit.

• Warning triangle
• First aid kit
• Spare bulbs – not compulsory, but useful
• Snacks and water- just in case!

Don’t forget to do your motorcycle maintenance checks before you leave- grab your FREE motorcycle maintenance checklist here

What documents do you need to road trip in Switzerland?

If you’re riding in Switzerland, you need to carry the following documents:

• Passport (or identity card)
• Driving licence (check it is in date!)
• Motorcycle Insurance documents- check you are covered for riding in Europe
• Breakdown cover
• Vehicle V5 logbook (which must show your correct address)
• Vehicle must be legally taxed and MOT’d
• International Driving Permit if required
• Personal travel insurance

Do I need an international driving permit to drive/ ride in Switzerland?

Most UK citizens do not need an IDP to drive in Switzerland, as long as you have a card driving licence issued in the UK (in date, of course!)

You might need one if you have:

• a paper driving licence only
• a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man

Vignettes in Switzerland

Most countries in Europe have some sort of charge for using their motorways/ major roads. They either use tolls, like France, or they use a vignette, like Switzerland. (Unless you’re used to motorcycing in Holland, where they don’t have anything!)

A vignette is literally a sticker which you must buy from an approved location and stick on your windscreen (in a specific place so the cameras can see it). Once it’s in place, you can then drive on any of the motorways or major roads (Classes 1 and 2) without worry- there are no tolls to pay.

Now, some people make the process of getting a Swiss vignette sound horrendously difficult. It’s really not, especially if your motorhome or campervan is under 3.5 tonnes. You can even order it online in advance and get it sent to your home before you leave from the website  here .

How much does a Swiss Vignette cost?

A vignette currently costs 38.50€ per vehicle. However, if you are towing a caravan OR a trailer (and the total train weight is less than 3.5t), you will need to purchase a second vignette. Also if, like us, you tow a motorbike or a second vehicle, you will need to buy another vignette for that too.

So we, with a motorhome, a trailer and TWO motorbikes, would have needed to buy 4 vignettes if we wanted to ride the bikes in Switzerland. Although, in reality, we only needed to buy two (for our bikes) because our train weight with the motorhome and trailer was greater than 3.5t, so we needed the next level up.

Affixing the vignette to a trailer or bike isn’t as easy as on a car- it must be fixed “on an easily accessible part which cannot be dismantled and replaced.”

How long is a vignette in Switzerland valid for?

A vignette is valid up until the end of January the year after you bought it. (So the 2021 sticker is valid until 31 January 2022.)

And yes, you still need to buy one even if you’re only visiting Switzerland for one day, or even one hour, out of the year, assuming you want to use the motorways.

NOTE: the Vignette is invalid if you remove it. So be sure you won’t be returning within the time limit before you take it off.

Do you HAVE to have a vignette in Switzerland?

If you want to use the motorway network, yes- it’s compulsory. However, you can choose to drive just on the backroads and never buy a vignette- as long as your vehicle/ train weight is less than 3.5t.

What does a vignette NOT cover you for?

You will still need to pay for using any car trains, some of the bigger tunnels and any car ferries. There are also a few private roads which you will need to pay for if you choose to use them, like the Oberaar panorama road at the Grimsel pass.

Vignettes for vehicles UNDER 3.5 tonnes

If you have a vehicle with a train weight of less than 3.5t, and you haven’t bought a vignette in advance, you can buy one from the border or just stop at the first garage/ service station after crossing the border. Simples.

Vignettes for vehicles OVER 3.5 tonnes – Via App

If you have a motorhome which weighs over 3.5t, OR the total weight of your motorhome and trailer exceeds 3.5t, you can’t buy the ‘normal’ vignette. You must pay the HVF (Heavy Vehicle Fee).

To do this, you need to download the VIA app (from your App store or Android store). This App is actually REALLY good. It allows you to select your vehicle type, enter details, select dates and pay- all from within the app. You get a scannable QR code for border crossings if needed to show proof of payment. Find out more about the App and watch a video  here

NOTE: If you are over 3.5t, you need to pay to use any public roads in Switzerland, not just the motorways,

Motorcycling in Switzerland- where to stay overnight

In Switzerland, there are several types of stopovers you can use.

Switzerland Camping sites for motorcycles

It’s easy to find motorcycle campsites in Switzerland and they’re much like campsites anywhere else in Europe. Some are rustic and have very basic facilities, while others are designed for long-term visitors and have entertainment, clubs, pools and bars! If you’re  campervanning in Switzerland  and taking your bikes on a trailer, you’ll have no problem.

Many campsites have large pitches, excellent (and clean) facilities and stunning views. And most have staff who speak excellent English.

Motorcycle Travel in Switzerland- where to stay

Once you’ve got a vehicle to tour around Switzerland in, the next thing to consider is what sort of motorbiking holiday you want to have and where are you going to camp/ park up overnight?

Deciding the type of holiday you want to have will make planning your motorcycle trip a lot easier.

Motorcycle campsites in Switzerland

Like in the UK, campsites in Switzerland vary in quality and price. Some campsites have great facilities, like swimming pools or a beach on a lake, watersports, play area, restaurants, fresh bread delivery, shop etc.

Others are more rustic and aren’t much more than an aire with an attendant. Expect the facilities at cheaper campsites to be much lower in hygiene standards than you might be used to!

There are some gorgeous campsites in Switzerland, right by beaches and lakes, with swimming pools, evening entertainment and kids clubs. If you want a relaxing holiday whilst staying in your own van and enjoying the sunshine, this might be the best option for you.

They work much like in the UK- you arrive, check in (and will usually need to show a passport), are given or can select a pitch with or without electric (depending on what you booked) and that’s it.

Expect some campsites to keep your passport for the duration of your stay with them. This is often at the places where you haven’t paid in advance- I always try to pay in advance and keep my passport where I know it’s safe!

Dogs are normally always welcome on campsites, but there isn’t always a dog walk/ run where they are allowed off lead.

Because we rarely plan a route through Switzerland, and therefore we never know where we’re going to be, we book campsites at the last minute- or just turn up. This doesn’t always work, (especially in  August or between October-March when many campsites shut) but there always seems to be something around which works out.

Swiss motorcycle travel in the school holidays- or not?

If you’re travelling in the school holidays, you’ll want to book up the campsite (if you’re using one) asap- the best ones get booked up months in advance.

If you’re NOT travelling during the school holidays, you might want to consider getting an ACSI camping card– you’ll save a lot of money on campsite charges.

Driving tips for Swiss motorcycle travels

Switzerland is generally not too bad for drivers (at least, not compared to  motorcycling in Portugal  or Italy!)

Some quick tips for driving in Switzerland:

• Switzerland drives on the right, like much of Europe
• Overtake on the left (NEVER undertake)
• Dipped headlights are compulsory during the day
• Helmets and gloves are compulsory
• Traffic from the right (including cyclists) has priority.
• Traffic on roundabouts has priority unless the signs indicate otherwise.
• Police cars, ambulances, fire trucks and trams always have priority.
• You’re legally required to stop for pedestrians at a zebra crossing. NOTE: Trams do NOT have to stop, so don’t walk in front of one thinking it must give way to you- it won’t!
• Wearing earphones or buds is illegal, but intercoms/ bluetooth systems are not.
• In-car speed camera detectors and  motorcycle sat-nav systems  warning of the presence of radars are illegal (whether they’re in use or not!)
• Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal, but you can use a hands-free unit without earbuds.
• Minor traffic offences can result in on-the-spot fines.
• UK driving licences are perfectly acceptable to use and you probably won’t need an IDP
• Hands-free calling is allowed, but it is strongly discouraged. Handheld calling will attract a hefty fine.
• In some places, it is mandatory to turn off your engine when waiting for traffic lights, railroad crossings etc.

Speed limits in Switzerland

Speed Limits are determined by location, vehicle and weather and are as follows for motorcycles (unless otherwise signed!)

• 120km/h (74mph)
• Major roads/ expressways- 100 km/h (62 mph)
• Outside built-up areas 80km/h (50mph)
• Built up areas- 50 km/h (31 mph)

Speed cameras in Switzerland

There are an estimated 1,000 speed cameras in Switzerland, which is a huge number for a small country. Again, pay attention to your speed.

Drink driving laws

Switzerland has stricter drink driving laws than the UK, only allowing 0.25 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood (the UK is 0.8). As always, don’t drink and drive. If you are a new or a professional driver, there is zero-tolerance, so be careful what medication you take.

Filtering in Switzerland- is lane splitting legal?

Filtering is illegal in Switzerland, although you will see bikes doing it.

Riding in Switzerland- what to do in the event of a road traffic accident

You should have a European Claim Form provided by your insurer before you leave. In the event of an accident, all parties complete and sign the form at the scene and then send a copy to your insurer for assessment. Don’t sign anything unless you are happy with what it says.

What to do at the scene:

• Stop your vehicle immediately but safely- out of the flow of traffic if possible.
• If a vehicle is blocking the road, use hazard lights and put the red warning triangle 30 metres from the scene to warn approaching traffic
• Name and address of all the people involved in the accident
• Vehicle registration numbers of all parties
• Insurance company details of all parties
• Take photos of damage using a camera, GoPro or phone

There are plenty of fuel stations across Switzerland. As with everywhere, you’ll find the prices slightly higher on the motorways.

Petrol is Bleifrei (95 / 98), Sans plomb (95 / 98), Senza piombo (95 / 98) – Green handles on pump

Some places are 24h pay at the pump, but may require you to go into the shop and pay the cashier either in advance or after you’ve filled up- there will be a sign to tell you what to do. (Leave your bike in front of the pump and make a note of the pump number.)

You can pay using cash or a credit card. Many places do NOT take American Express. You can usually use your UK cards without a problem.

Motorcycling in Switzerland- security

We highly recommend paying extra attention to your motorbike security when travelling in Switzerland, as motorcycle thefts do happen, as does petty theft and pickpocketing. I know it’s not always possible, but try not to leave your bike unattended in an unsecured area.

More useful things to know when motorcycling in Switzerland

Emergency Numbers:  112 will get you everything you need.

Language – Swiss but English widely spoken. They also often speak French, German and probably many many others. The 4 official languages are French, German, Italian and Romansh. Different regions have different ‘main’ languages.

Currency – Swiss Francs (CHF- NOT EUROS!)

Cards – most major credit and debit cards are accepted. American Express is only taken in large stores (not at tolls and often not at fuel stations)

Timezone – GMT+1 (or one hour ahead in BST)

Tipping – Tipping is not expected but appreciated. 5% – 10% in restaurants is standard if you are happy with the service.

Shops – Food prices are pretty expensive. Many shops close at 6.30pm and do not open on Sundays at all. Bigger supermarkets and garages may be open.

Other posts you might find useful:

• Motorcycle touring- complete guide to getting started
• How I quit my job to tour Europe by motorcycle
• 5 epic roads in Europe
• How to choose the best motorcycle sat nav for you

DISCLAIMER: This post was last updated in April 2022. We try to keep it as up to date as possible, but cannot be held responsible for any changes made to the law since the last update. If you do find any discrepancies, please do let us know. Thanks.

Kat has spent years touring the UK and Europe by motorcycle, car and motorhome. It was the idea of motorcycle touring which pushed her to go from nervous new biker to excited explorer and she still can’t believe some of the crazy mountain roads she’s ridden!

She has owned several bikes, with her favourites being a Triumph Scrambler for long rides and her current speed demon- a ZX6R (both purple!) Whilst she loves to travel, her favourite thing is to help other bikers (both male and female) gain the confidence to have their own epic adventures. Ride safe!

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1 thought on “Motorcycling in Switzerland- the Ultimate Guide”

Hi, thanks for the detailed write-up. Picked up quite a few tips for my upcoming ride to Zurich. Going through Belgium or through France, what would people recommend? cheers.

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Fascination Switzerland: More than just riding the Swiss Alps dream.

Switzerland, a small country.

Depending on your interests, we suggest two to three weeks and don’t expect to experience it all!

Start your ride from the gentle hills in the Jura with a 360° panoramic view over an incredible landscape stretch. Along glittering lakes and idyllic rivers, you’ll reach the first alpine range with its majestic peaks covered with snow and ice; Switzerland is home of some of the most gorgeous and challenging hairpin bends in the world. Every kilometer or mile you ride reveals a new facet of this fascinating country.

From the top of these Alps, you may see the Swiss border, but you have not reached it yet. Follow the narrow winding road. More tricky switchbacks await your skills until you come to the bottom of the picturesque valley. Most roads are still single laned and steep over the second mountain chain.

Another break, another panoramic view while enjoying a glass of pure Swiss water before you head down to the place where the palm trees grow in the Italian speaking part of Switzerland. It’s a country unparalleled in its diversity and beauty.

Switzerland is a paradise to be discovered consciously with a motorcycle.

Your journey might begin in Bern, the charming federal city, and take you through landscapes as diverse as the country’s cultures. You’ll traverse regions where time seems to stand still, passing countless castles and fortresses that tell tales from past times. Every curve on your path is an invitation to discover the breathtaking nature and rich history of Switzerland.

Twincruiser Tours, your Swiss travel specialist, leads you on paths known only to locals. You’ll experience Switzerland not just as a tourist, but as a part of its vibrant culture. Your guide, fluent in the national languages and with an in-depth knowledge of the country, will show you the hidden treasures off the beaten path.

Switzerland is not only a country of chocolate, watches, cheese, the legendary Swiss Army Knife, efficient and reliable train network, and a thriving financial sector, but also a paradise for motorcycle enthusiasts with its numerous and best roads in Europe.

With Twincruiser Tours, you discover a variety of motorcycle routes that lead over picturesque passes, along idyllic lakes, impressive waterfalls, and through deeply carved valleys. With Twincruiser Tours, you experience pure riding pleasure in a stress-free environment, enjoy spectacular road layouts, and discover places untouched by mass tourism.

An experience that stimulates all senses.

Your adventure takes you through some of the world’s most spectacular high-mountain landscapes. You’ll ride from 193 meters or 633 feet up to 2’205 meters or 8’205 feet. The quality and maintenance of the roads are unparalleled worldwide, providing ideal conditions for an unforgettable motorcycle journey.

But it’s not just about the ride. It’s about letting your soul dangle, discovering the authentic, to be on the »top of the world« and experiencing the local culture. Support the mountain farmers and the people who have chosen a life in these remote places. Linger at a spot, enjoy the tranquility, and let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of nature.

Twincruiser Tours offers you not just a journey, but an encounter that stimulates all senses. You will not only see the landscapes and breathe the fresh mountain air, but also taste the local delicacies and feel the warmth of the people. Every stage of your journey is carefully planned to offer you the best that Switzerland has to offer.

Join us on a journey that is more than just a tour. It’s a discovery, a celebration of life and freedom on two wheels. Discover Switzerland with Twincruiser Tours – an adventure that will most probably stay a long time in your memory.

Travel options

Twincruiser Tours offers various travel options. Whether you opt for one of our thoroughly planned standard tours through the picturesque Swiss landscape or prefer to explore individual paths on your or a rented motorcycle, Twincruiser Tours has the perfect deal for your needs.

On our main website, we offer a wide range of motorcycle tours. Additionally, you have the option to subscribe to our informative newsletter. It is published 5 – 6 times a year and provides you with exciting insights into the world of motorcycles, current legal updates, practical tips for your motorcycle care, and exclusive announcements of new tours and trips.

P.S.: On our main website, you can also find information about other exciting motorcycle tours to various countries. These are specially designed for individualists and connoisseurs, offering unique experiences. Check it out and discover your next motorcycle adventure today!

Standard Tours

On our main website, you will find a selection of tours with motorcycles to inspire you. These offers have a set route with pre-booked accommodation and restaurants. The indicated price is valid for a minimum number of participant – riders. These tours are comparable to a »ready-made« motorcycle journey, with little room for adjustments. You can simply choose a tour from our selection, set your preferred date, and reserve the tour exclusively for yourself or for you and your partner or group (1 to 6 motorcycles, with or without a pillion).

Private Tours

Get inspired by our existing standard tours from our selection. Let us know what else you’d like to see or visit along the route. Choose your preferred date and book the tour exclusively for yourself or for you and your partner or group (1 to 6 motorcycles, with or without a passenger). We will customize the tour to your taste, making it an experience to remember.

Custom Tours

Explore the most beautiful regions by yourself or with your friends and our local touring guide. Since 1976, Twincruiser Tours has conducted and perfected countless unique tours.

We organize your personal motorcycle vacation from start to finish. Whether with your own motorcycle or a rented one – we cater to your interests, desires, and preferred duration. In short, we create a tailor-made journey that is precisely suited to you.

Whether you are traveling alone, with your partner, or with acquaintances – we put everything together according to your ideas and preferences and our tips, to provide you with an unparalleled experience.

Self-Drive Tours

If you prefer to travel on your own, we are happy to support you. With our extensive skill and knowledge of the best routes, we can help you save time and money. Just share your desires and ideas with us. We will get together, discuss all details including costs, and take over the entire organization of your motorcycle journey for you. Your chosen route will be carefully planned, accommodation and necessary reservations made in advance, so you can fully concentrate on your adventure.

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Top of the Alps

This tour is all about riding the best passes and switchbacks in the Swiss, Austrian, and Italian Alps. We'll crisscross the region in search of fabulous mountain roads, including Passo di Stelvio and Grossglockner.

• Next tour date Jul 6 - 14, 2024 1 SPOT LEFT
• Other tour dates Jul 20 - 28, 2024 SOLD OUT
• Other tour dates Aug 24 - Sep 1, 2024 sold out
• Other tour dates Jun 28 - Jul 6, 2025
• Other tour dates Jul 26 - Aug 3, 2025
• Other tour dates Aug 23 - 31, 2025

This tour is all about riding the best passes and switchbacks in the Swiss, Austrian, and Italian Alps. 

From beautiful Munich , we ride into the Austrian Alps , warming up our sweeper riding skills before beginning to crisscross the region in search of some of the best mountain roads in the world.

This ride is not for the faint of heart or inexperienced, but the rewards are many: stunningly beautiful Alpine peaks, deep clear Alpine lakes, fairy tale villages, adrenaline rushing mountain curves. The tour ends where it begins, in Munich, but not before capturing the Holy Grail of Alps riding - Italy's famous Passo di Stelvio , and Austria's highest, the Grossglockner .

Tour overview

Dates in 2024 | 2025, road description, tour starts / ends, accommodation.

• Day 1 Arrival in Munich
• Day 2 Munich - Lech
• Day 3 Lech - Grimsel pass
• Day 4 Grimsel pass - Livigno
• Day 5 Rest day in Livigno
• Day 6 Livigno - Dolomites
• Day 7 Dolomites - Lienz
• Day 8 Lienz - Munich
• Day 9 Munich, flight home

Arrival in Munich

We will greet you at Munich airport and take you to the hotel in Freising. Located about 25 minutes to the north of Munich, Freising is the oldest town in Bavaria with an almost 1300 year history. Take some time to rest or do some sightseeing before the tour briefing. If you arrive early, you can take the train to Munich. Situated on the River Isar, north of the Bavarian Alps, Munich is the capital of beautiful Bavaria. This city has a lot to offer, whether you are interested in history, parks and greenery, night life, beer gardens or shopping. At 4 PM we'll meet for an introductory meeting and wrap up our first day in one of the traditional restaurants toasting with one of the many craft beers Bavaria is known for. ˝Prost!˝

Munich - Lech

We'll make time to visit one of the famous King Ludwig's Linderhoff, his private retreat near Garmisch. We'll begin encountering some gentle sweepers and then increasingly challenging passes as the snow-topped Bavarian Alps give way to the Austrian Alps. We'll end Day 2 unwinding in the charming, cozy ski resort town of Lech, 1300m high in the Alps.

Lech - Grimsel pass

Once across the Swiss border, we can enjoy the quiet, forested area around Walensee Lake, before scaling our first major pass of the day—the Klausen. From there we'll continue west through the valley, making a turn in Wassen to ride over another beautiful pass – Sustenpass, before settling on the top of the Grimselpass, our base tonight.

Grimsel pass - Livigno

First, we'll scale the other end of Furkapass and the famous Gotthardpass. After lunch and a short break, we'll be ready to test our riding skills on Passo del Bernardino and then Splugenpass, with one end in Italy and the other in Switzerland. After a short ride through Italy, we'll reenter Switzerland via the spectacular Maloja Pass, passing the ski resort town of St. Moritz and south over the Berninapass to the Italian tax-free paradise of Livigno, our base tonight.

Rest day in Livigno

It enjoys special tax status as a tax-free zone, which makes it very attractive to buy goods at substantially lower prices, especially tax-free gasoline. Today, you can decide to take the day off and do some shopping, hiking or ride some more, taking one of the riding loops we've prepared in the area. Loop over Ofen Pass and Umbrail Pass is just one of the options.

Livigno - Dolomites

Our next challenge, Stelvio Pass, will make these first two seem like mere warm-ups. At almost 2800 m, Stelvio is one of the two highest rideable mountain passes in the Alps! And what a ride it is-- switchbacks galore, and, if you dare look up from the road, some of the most beautiful high mountain panoramas in the world. The route to our last major pass of the day, Passo di Gavia, inspires with its lakes, narrow chicanes, and wildness. We will end our day in the middle of the fabulous Dolomites.

Dolomites - Lienz

This high altitude playground for motorcyclists and bicyclists exists today because of the road building efforts of Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces along what was a bitterly contested front through here in WWI. We'll end our day across the border in Austria in the medieval town of Lienz and say good bye to the Dolomites, the ultimate riding destination.

Lienz - Munich

Running through the heart of the Hohe Tauren National Park to Austria's highest peak, Mt Grossglockner (3798m), this classic twisty throws 36 curves into your path over 48 km up to an altitude of 2504 m! Once off the mountain, anyone looking for some exposure to Austrian culture and history may detour to medieval Salzburg for a coffee and bit of exploration. From here, much our ride back to Munich will be through the spectacular Alpine foothills of southern Bavaria. The German Alpine Road, Grande Dame of Germany's scenic byways, will carry us over a landscape dotted with castles, baroque churches, viaducts, and abbeys. By late afternoon, Munich will greet us once more. That evening, we'll meet for our farewell dinner.

Munich, flight home

If you have an afternoon flight planned, you can walk the Old Town and enjoy the local sites and tastes once more before returning home filled with great memories.

Day 1: Arrival in Munich

Day 2: Munich - Lech

Day 3: Lech - Grimsel pass

Day 4: Grimsel pass - Livigno

Day 5: Rest day in Livigno

Day 6: Livigno - Dolomites

Day 7: Dolomites - Lienz

Day 8: Lienz - Munich

Day 9: Munich, flight home

VIP & Super VIP Insurance

For a fixed cost of 25 EUR per day VIP Insurance lowers your security deposit for the motorcycle, while Super VIP Insurance reduces your security deposit to zero (0 EUR) and costs 40 EUR per day. VIP and Super VIP Insurances are available on all our tours and rentals of 7 days or more. Riders must have at least 2 years of riding experiences and must be at least 25 or less than 75 years old to obtain VIP or Super VIP Insurance. Riders with less than 2 years of riding experiences are responsible for full motorcycle value. See the chart below:

Top of the Alps includes:

• Late model motorcycle with lockable top case plus a Third party liability insurance and Comprehensive vehicle insurance.
• Experienced guide on a motorcycle. Support van for luggage, souvenir purchases and 1 or 2 passengers.
• 8 nights' accommodation in quality 4**** hotels.
• 8 complete buffet breakfasts in the hotel.
• 7 dinners, mostly in traditional local restaurants.
• Airport transfers up to 5 days prior to the tour start, on the last day of the tour and one day after the tour. 
• All maps with marked routes for the region being toured.
• Extensive tour booklet.
• GPS with all the routes uploaded.

Not included in the price:

Air ticket, dinners on rest days, most lunches, drinks, gasoline, tolls, personal spending, and tips.

Tour Cancellation Insurance:  more information  HERE.

* 2025 prices will be set in October 2024. If the increase compared to the 2024 prices is more than 5%, you can cancel the tour without a fee until Oct 31, 2024.

Discovering Italy on a motorcycle: how different are the Dolomites from Tuscany, Sardinia and Sicily?

03. 12. 2021

Italy is way too big to discover it all on a two-week tour. That's why we have (at least) five different tours on the boot-shaped peninsula. Do you want to know the differences? Welcome to joining a virtual ride!

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Stelvio Express - Swiss & Italian Alps

8 days / 7 nights 1490 km, self-guided : june to oct. guided : june 22-29, 2024 & on request, france, italy switzerland, from €1,005, motorcycle tour in swiss & italian alps.

Our motorcycle tour in Swiss & Italian Alps takes you all the way to the mythical Stelvio Pass . We organize your guided or self guided motorbike trip in Switzerland & Italy, on the best driving roads in the Alps with one of our motorbikes for rent …

Swiss & Italian Alps tour

Stunning motorcycle tour in Swiss & Italian Alps on the best driving roads in the Alps ! Ride the highest passes in the Alps , ride along Switzerland’s turquoise water lakes, explore the stunning region of the Great Italian Lakes , admire picturesque castles and vineyards in the Aosta Valley , drive around the Mont-Blanc , Europe’s highest Peak at a height of 4,810m… Treat yourself to the generous Alpine Cuisine in a cosy chalet or with an Italian dinner through Aosta Roman ruins or on the shores of Lake Como. This unique motorbike trip in Switzerland, Italy & France takes you from the French Alps to the mythical Stelvio Pass through the Swiss & Italian Alps by motorcycle…

The Alps – Lakes of Thun & Brienz – Mythical Alpine mountain passes (Gotthard, Stelvio, Little St-Bernard…) – Italian Great Lakes – Lake Como – Moto Guzzi Museum – Bellagio – Aosta Valley – Alpine & Italian Gastronomy

Day 1 : Arrival in Aix-les-Bains

Transfers, meet & greet, relax, visit and briefing.

Wash away some jetlag, have a walk to the nearby lake, wander in the old streets and shaded parks, delight yourself in the hot pool… By the end of the day, enjoy your first evening filled with familiarizing yourself with the excitement of what lays ahead whilst enjoying a taste of the Alpine Cuisine…

Day 2 : Aix-les-bains → Thun (Switzerland)

290km / 5h45.

Great start of our motorcycle tour in Swiss & Italian Alps . The ride starts on the twisty roads of the French Alps … Cross the border to Switzerland and go exploring the most idyllic Swiss landscapes you’ve ever dreamed of… Cows grazing in verdant Alpine pastures, cosy chalets and fir forests with snow-capped summits in the background, the perfect cliché! The day ends up in Thun , its castle and its crystal-clear lake nestled in the heart of the surrounding mountains…

Day 3 : Thun (Switz.) → Disentis (Switz.)

250 km / 5h30.

Breathtaking motorbike ride along the lakes of Thun and Brienz before riding a series of mountain passes higher than 2,000m, including the mythical Gotthard Pass and its World-famous Tremola road , one of the best driving roads in the Alps ! This perfect motorcycle route in the Swiss Alps ends in the mountain village of Disentis …

Day 4 : Disentis (Switz.) → Stelvio Pass (Italy)

Motorcycle ride of a lifetime in the Swiss Alps with another series of valleys and mountain passes which lead you to the Worldwide famous Stelvio Pass , another top-rated drive in the Alps ! Overcome its 48 hairpin turns by motorbike to reach the Italian border at a height of 2,758m …

Day 5 : Stelvio Pass (Italy) → Bellagio (Italy)

220 km / 4h45.

Zigzag between Italy and Switzerland to fully enjoy the best motorbike roads of the Swiss & Italian Alps . Ride through the famous town of St-Moritz to finally reach the superb region of the Great Italian Lakes … En route, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the historic Moto Guzzi Museum in Mandello del Lario! By night, treat yourself to the delicious Italian Cuisine on one of the numerous terraces on Lake Como ‘s shore…

Day 6 : Bellagio (Italy) → Aosta (Italy)

260 km / 5h15.

Great start of the day riding along the superb Lake Maggiore siting between Italy and Switzerland! Follow the road through the Aosta Valley and its picturesque castles and vineyards heading to the nice city of Aosta and its Roman Ruins. Italian Cuisine , wine from the Valley and a great night surrounded by the highest Alpine Peaks …

Day 7 : Aosta (Italy) → Aix-les-Bains

Breathtaking motorbike route in the Italian Alps with the legendary Little St Bernard Pass that brings you back to France . Enjoy the ride through the countryside roads of the French Alps back to the shore of France’s largest natural lake in Aix-les-Bains where ends our motorcycle tour in the Swiss & Italian Alps , WHAT A TRIP!

Day 8 : Departure from Aix-les-Bains

Breakfast and transfers.

All good things must come to an end… See you next time!

The daily riding kilometres are approximate distances and may vary. Route and overnight places may change due to unforeseen events.

Tour prices

Self-guided, june to october.

 Low seat can be ordered as a free option Depending on the bike model and upon reservation

Included services

Included services :

*if motorcycle rental option chosen

Services not included :

june 22-29, 2024 & on request Get your private guided tour on the dates of your choice

Why ride with us , motorcycle tours agency.

27 rue Jacotot 73100 Aix-les-Bains, FRANCE

Tel : +33 6 21 39 73 00 Email :  [email protected]

BMW R 1300 GS Basse

Correcteur d’assiette adaptatif

Hauteur selle basse : 820 mm

Avec correcteur d’assiette : 800 mm

237 kg          145 cv

350 km / jour

Bagagerie moto : 140 L

Assurance tous risques

 GPS TomTom Rider ou support de téléphone (au choix)

  Dépôt de garantie : 2 500 €

Permis moto A

25 ans min.

BMW R 1300 GS LOW

Adaptive Vehicle Height Control (AVHC)

Low seat height : 820 mm

With AVHC : 800 mm

237 kg          145 HP

350 km / day

Luggage capacity : 140 L

Fully comprehensive insurance

 GPS TomTom Rider or phone mount (as per your choice)

  Security deposit : € 2,500

Full motorcycle driving licence

25 years old min.

Honda 1100 Africa Twin

Hauteur de selle : 850 / 870 mm

Hauteur selle basse : 825 mm

231 kg          102 cv

Bagagerie moto : 154 L

Dépôt de garantie : 2 200 €

24 ans min.

Seat height : 850 / 870 mm

Low seat height : 825 mm

231 kg          102 HP

Luggage capacity : 154 L

Security deposit : € 2,200

24 years old min.

KTM 890 Adventure R

Seat height : 880 mm

Low seat height : 855 mm

215 kg          105 HP

Luggage capacity : 120 L

Hauteur de selle : 880 mm

Hauteur selle basse : 855 mm

215 kg          105 cv

Bagagerie moto : 120 L

BMW R 1300 GS

Seat height : 850 mm

Low seat height : 800 mm

Hauteur de selle : 850 mm

Hauteur selle basse : 800 mm

Honda CB 750 Hornet (A2)

Hauteur de selle : 795 mm

Hauteur selle basse : 770 mm

190 kg          35 kW / 47,6 cv

Bagagerie moto : 114 L

Dépôt de garantie : 1 200 €

Permis moto A2 ou A

18 ans min.

Seat height : 795 mm

Low seat height : 770 mm

190 kg          35 kW / 47,6 HP

Luggage capacity : 114 L

Security deposit : € 1,200

A2 & full motorcycle driving licence

18 years old min.

KTM 390 Adventure (A2)

Hauteur de selle : 855 mm

Hauteur selle basse : 830 mm

172 kg          32 kW / 44 cv

Bagagerie moto : 88 L

YAMAHA MT-07 (A2)

Hauteur de selle : 805 mm

Hauteur selle basse : 780 mm

184 kg          35 kW / 47,6 cv

Bagagerie moto : 80 L

HONDA CB 500 X / NX 500 (A2)

Hauteur de selle : 830 mm

196 kg          35kW / 47,5 cv

Bagagerie moto : 144 L

  Dépôt de garantie : 1 200 €

20 ans min.

YAMAHA TÉNÉRÉ 700

Hauteur de selle : 875 mm

204 kg          74 cv

Bagagerie moto : 98 L

Dépôt de garantie : 1 800 €

21 ans min.

YAMAHA TRACER 7 GT (A2)

Hauteur de selle : 835 mm

Hauteur selle basse : 815 mm

197 kg          35 kW / 47,6 cv

Bagagerie moto : 116 L

Dépôt de garantie : 1 500 €

YAMAHA TRACER 9 GT

Hauteur de selle : 825 mm

Hauteur selle basse : 810 mm

220 kg          119 cv

Bagagerie moto : 133 L

23 ans min.

BMW F 900 XR

Hauteur selle basse : 795 mm

219 kg          105 cv

Bagagerie moto : 136 L

BMW F 750 GS

Hauteur de selle : 815 mm

227 kg          77 cv

Bagagerie moto : 146 L

Dépôt de garantie : 2 000 €

22 ans min.

DUCATI MULTISTRADA V4 S

Hauteur de selle : 840 / 860 mm

240 kg          170 cv

26 ans min.

TRIUMPH TIGER SPORT 660

206 kg          81 cv

Bagagerie moto : 106 L

SUZUKI SV 650 (A2)

Hauteur de selle : 785 mm

197 kg          35 kW / 47,5 cv

Bagagerie moto : 117 L

GPS TomTom Rider ou support de téléphone (au choix)

Seat height : 805 mm

Low seat height : 780 mm

184 kg          35 kW / 47,6 HP

Luggage capacity : 80 L

Seat height : 855 mm

Low seat height : 830 mm

172 kg          32 kW / 44 HP

Luggage capacity : 88 L

Seat height : 785 mm

197 kg          35 kW / 47,5 HP

Luggage capacity : 117 L

GPS TomTom Rider or phone mount (as per your choice)

  Security deposit : € 1,200

20 years old min.

Seat height : 830 mm

196 kg          35kW / 47,5 HP

Luggage capacity : 144 L

Seat height : 875 mm

204 kg          74 HP

Luggage capacity : 98 L

Security deposit : € 1,800

21 years old min.

Seat height : 835 mm

Low seat height : 815 mm

197 kg          35 kW / 47,6 HP

Luggage capacity : 116 L

Security deposit : € 1,500

Seat height : 825 mm

Low seat height : 810 mm

220 kg          119 HP

Luggage capacity : 133 L

23 years old min.

Low seat height : 795 mm

219 kg          105 HP

Luggage capacity : 136 L

Seat height : 815 mm

227 kg          77 HP

Luggage capacity : 146 L

Security deposit : € 2,000

22 years old min.

Seat height : 840 / 860 mm

240 kg          170 HP

26 years old min.

206 kg          81 HP

Luggage capacity : 106 L

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Nom * E-mail * Sujet * Choisir Location moto Autre information Moto Choisir Honda CB 500 X (A2) Suzuki SV 650 (A2) Yamaha Tracer 7 GT (A2) Triumph Tiger Sport 660 Yamaha Ténéré 700 BMW F 750 GS Yamaha Tracer 9 GT BMW F 900 XR BMW R 1300 GS Ducati Multistrada V4 S Autre Message Message Envoyer

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Voyage * Choisir Week-end Annecy - 2j/1n Week-end Vercors - 2j/1n Routes du Tour de France - 3j/2n Tour du Mont-Blanc - 3j/2n Tour des lacs des Alpes - 3j/2n Alpes et Jura - 4j/3n Route Napoléon - 4j/3n Grands cols des Alpes - 4j/3n France - Tour des Alpes - 5j/4n Alsace et Jura - 7j/6n Sud de la France - 7j/6n Thonon à Menton - 6j/5n Route des Grandes Alpes – Small - 5j/4n Route des Grandes Alpes - Best of - 6j/5n Route des Grandes Alpes - XL - 8j/7n Stelvio Express - 6j/5n France, Suisse et Italie - 9j/8n Alpes, Tyrol et Dolomites - 10j/9n Best of Europe - 12j/11n Auvergne & Transpyrénéenne – Best of - 7j/6n Pyrénées et Auvergne - 12j/11n La Grande Boucle - 13j/12n Off-road - Alpes & Piémont - 4j/3n Raid off-road - Transalpes - 6j/5n Vietnam - 14j/13n E-mail * Entrez votre e-mail et recevez le descriptif du séjour en PDF ! Message Envoyer

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Nom * E-mail * Sujet * Choisir Séjour Liberté Séjour Guidé Sur-mesure Autre information Voyage Choisir Week-end Annecy - 2j/1n Week-end Vercors - 2j/1n Routes du Tour de France - 3j/2n Tour du Mont-Blanc - 3j/2n Tour des lacs des Alpes - 3j/2n Alpes et Jura - 4j/3n Route Napoléon - 4j/3n Grands cols des Alpes - 4j/3n France - Tour des Alpes - 5j/4n Gorges du Tarn et Cévennes - 5j/4n Sud de la France - 7j/6n Alsace et Jura - 7j/6n Thonon à Menton - 6j/5n Route des Grandes Alpes – Small - 5j/4n Route des Grandes Alpes - Best of - 6j/5n Route des Grandes Alpes - XL - 8j/7n Stelvio Express - 6j/5n France, Suisse et Italie - 9j/8n Alpes, Tyrol et Dolomites - 10j/9n Best of Europe - 12j/11n Auvergne & Transpyrénéenne – Best of - 7j/6n Pyrénées et Auvergne - 12j/11n La Grande Boucle - 13j/12n Raid off-road - Alpes & Piémont - 4j/3n Raid off-road - Transalpes - 6j/5n Raid off-road - Gorges du Tarn - 5j/4n Vietnam - 14j/13n Autre Message Name Envoyer

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Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Name * Email * Your country Subject * Select Motorcycle rental Other information Motorcycle Select Honda CB 500 X Suzuki SV 650 (35kW - 47,5hp) Yamaha Tracer 7 GT (35kW - 47,6hp) Triumph Tiger Sport 660 Yamaha Ténéré 700 BMW F 750 GS Yamaha Tracer 9 GT BMW F 900 XR BMW R 1300 GS Ducati Multistrada V4 S Other Message Comment Send

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Tour * Select your tour Annecy - Venice of the Alps - 2d/1n Balcony roads of Vercors - 2d/1n Roads of the Tour de France - 3d/2n Mont-Blanc tour - 3d/2n Alpine lakes tour - 3d/2n Alps & Jura - The lakes tour - 6d/5n Route Napoléon - 6d/5n Legendary passes of the Alps - 6d/5n Best of French Alps - 7d/6n Alsace & Jura - 9d/8n Best of South of France - 9d/8n Route des Grandes Alpes - One way - 6d/5n Route des Grandes Alpes - Small - 7d/6n Best of Route des Grandes Alpes - 8d/7n Route des Grandes Alpes - XL - 10d/9n Stelvio Express - 8d/7n Majestic Alps - 11d/10n European Alps tour - 12d/11n Best of Pyrenees & Auvergne - 9d/8n Passes & Volcanoes - 14d/13n The Grand Tour - 15d/14n Off-road - French Alps & Piedmont - 6d/5n Off-road - Across the French Alps - 7d/6n Email * Enter your email address and we'll send you the tour description! Name Send

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Name * Email * Your country Subject * Select Self-guided tour Guided tour Custom tour Other information Tour Select Annecy - Venice of the Alps - 2d/1n Balcony roads of Vercors - 2d/1n Roads of the Tour de France - 3d/2n Mont-Blanc tour - 3d/2n Alpine lakes tour - 3d/2n Alps & Jura - The lakes tour - 6d/5n Route Napoléon - 6d/5n Legendary passes of the Alps - 6d/5n Best of French Alps - 7d/6n Gorges du Tarn & Cévennes - 7d/6n Best of South of France - 9d/8n Alsace & Jura - 9d/8n Route des Grandes Alpes - One way - 6d/5n Route des Grandes Alpes - Small - 7d/6n Best of Route des Grandes Alpes - 8d/7n Route des Grandes Alpes - XL - 10d/9n Stelvio Express - 8d/7n Majestic Alps - 11d/10n European Alps tour - 12d/11n Best of Pyrenees & Auvergne - 9d/8n Passes & Volcanoes - 14d/13n The Grand Tour - 15d/14n Off-road - French Alps & Piedmont - 6d/5n Off-road - Across the French Alps - 7d/6n Off-road - Gorges du Tarn - 7d/6n Other Message Comment Send

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Motorcycle Tours in Switzerland

Motorcycle tours in switzerland, with its jaw dropping scenery and world class mountain passes, are a firm favourite for many magellan riders. our swiss tours also spend time in the austrian alps and are focused on some of the finest mountain passes for bikers anywhere on the planet. until you’ve ridden them you really don’t know what you’re missing. browse a selection of motorcycle tours below that travel to or through this glorious country. options available for guided tours or pick one of our self guided options on dates to suit you....

11 days STARTS Folkestone, UK 17/08/2024 – 27/08/2024

Traverse the soaring hairpins of Austria and Switzerland's finest high alpine passes.

• HIRE BIKE AVAILABLE

11 days STARTS Folkestone, UK 28/06/2025 – 08/07/2025

11 days STARTS Folkestone, UK 16/08/2025 – 26/08/2025

11 days STARTS Folkestone, UK 27/06/2026 – 07/07/2026

11 days STARTS Folkestone, UK 22/08/2026 – 01/09/2026

11 days STARTS Folkestone, UK BEST TIME TO GO: July to September

The alpine scenery, mountain passes and beautiful landscapes are just some of the highlights of this tour.

• SELF GUIDED

SWISS PASS HIGHLIGHTS ON OUR SWITZERLAND MOTORCYCLE TOURS

St gotthard pass.

The 37 cobbled hairpins may put some people off but they are in pristine condition and the views more than make up for it. Just be careful in the wet!

James Bond fans will know this road well from the epic Ford Mustang / Aston Martin DB5 chase in Goldfinger, this pass is as exciting as it is scenic.

Neufenen pass

Nestled in the quiet Bernese Alps this is the second-highest pass in Switzerland and was featured on the ABR “eight best mountain passes to ride before you die”.

Grimsel pass

Traverse the near lunar landscape of this epic pass, with silent glacial lakes, massive reservoirs and dams all surrounded by barren granite rock formations

Magellan Motorcycle Tour Reports: Switzerland

Austrian Tyrol and Swiss Alps Tour Report

By July with summer in full swing I’m starting to get itchy tyres and feeling the need to be out on the bike enjoying the sunshine. What better way to scratch that itch than to spend 10 days exploring some of the best mountain roads Europe has to offer? Well actually, the only way I … Continued

Tyrolean passes and Swiss Alps Trip Report June

Guide: Mr Mark Support Rider: John Raistrick I was really looking forward to this tour as it was my first time running it and having now completed it all I can say is I LOVE it!!!! My ride up to Folkestone was thankfully uneventful - the journey from Cornwall can be horrendous as Felix and … Continued

Austria and Switzerland Tour Report

As always, meeting up with a group of ten strangers with the intention of going on an 11 day bike trip together brings with it a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. A 7am start at our usual meeting point of the Stop24 services on the M20 sees us heading for the Channel Tunnel in a … Continued

Trip report Escorted Tour of Austria and Switzerland Mr S

As this was my first organised tour I was understandably apprehensive about the experience I would receive. I’ve toured quite a lot in the past but never as part of such a large group and never through a tour operator. However, from the very beginning with Magellan I knew it was going to be money … Continued

 The Alpine Adventure West 

A remarkable ride in the swiss, french, and italian alps ride europe's highest passes., alpine adventure west overview.

• Countries: Switzerland, France, Germany, Italy
• Ride the Col de l'Iseran, the highest pass in all the Alps
• Relax on the shores of the cleanest lake in Europe
• Visit the castle where St. Bernard was born
• Explore Germany's Black Forest
• Cross many of the passes that are part of the Tour de France
• Visit historic cities: Gruyère, Annecy, Freiburg, Aosta
• Conquer dozens of unforgettable mountain passes

Prepare for the big ! Big scenery, big riding days and, of course, big passes. The Alpine Adventure West is a tour for riders who want to toss a boast or two around.

Find out what the roads of the Black Forest are all about. Ride the highest pass in the Alps. Relax on the shore of the cleanest lake in the European Union. Visit the castle where St. Bernard was born. Take fresh "Swiss" cheese. This combination of possibilities is unique to the Alpine Adventure West.

With the focus on towering, majestic mountains, our adventure kicks off in the Old Spa Town of Baden.

Complete with castle ruins overlooking the old town, a river flowing through the middle, an impressionist art gallery, a most engaging cafe culture and a wealth of nightlife, these two days in Baden are filled with possibilities. One of which is to begin tackling mountain passes right away! Albispass, Pragelpass, Sattelegg, and Glaubenbergpass all offer magnificent views from the top and an exciting ride to get there.

Switzerland's Pragel Pass is just one of Rob's "little white roads"

The Journey begins with a bit of Switzerland and a corner of Germany

The Danube flows at its head and the Rhine babbles at its feet. Germany’s Black Forest is set in impressive natural splendor and is the focus of the first day on the road. This wonderful, unspoiled region encompasses ravines and torrents, dense woods and impressive hills. Landscape, nature, climate, especially the people, and the unique agricultural products, are but a few of the things which comprise the wealth of the Black Forest.

Our exit from the hills of Germany across the Rhine river takes us to the French Jura. The terrain is very similar to America's Smoky Mountains, featuring easy riding through picture-perfect villages. Vive la France—great scenery and riding without the annoying crush of tourist traffic.

The Jura - rural France at its best

Our departure from the Jura region is by crossing another of Europe's great rivers, the Rhône.

Double overnight on the shore of Lake Annecy

The French are proud of their—well— Frenchness : Champagne, Chanel No. 5, camembert, croissants. No wonder when we speak of the joy of life, it’s in French: “joie de vivre.” The French believe they have the franchise on culture, cuisine—and especially—romance. You’ll probably agree when you set eyes on Lac d'Annecy, a crystal-clear, turquoise mountain lake in the heart of the Savoie region.

One of the most beautiful towns in the Haute Savoie region, Annecy is a gracious town that is still the quiet joy of provincial France and a perfect example of romance in both location and architecture. Bustle about the shopping core of Annecy or sit in the marvelous lakeside park and commune with nature at its best. Total relaxation on the grass by the lake, a boat ride, a visit to Mont Blanc and a ride up the mountain on Europe’s highest cable car, or perhaps a visit to the ancient castle of Menthon or the Museum of the French Resistance movement; our double overnight here offers something for everyone.

The French Vercors

Certain ranges in the Alps have a way of taunting puny humans. The Vercors is one. Atop the massif is a tranquil, forested, high plateau. The 20th century loggers had product, but no way to get it to market. Their answer was to construct "balcony roads," which were literally blasted out of the vertical mountainside. Today these roads are great motorcycle routes! Getting up to the plateau is a pleasant challenge, one made much more enjoyable by your BMW motorcycle—the perfect machine for this adventure.

The number of passes in the Vercors National Park borders on the absurd. We spend two overnights, and the majority of three riding days in the park to make the most of that absurdity!

Spring from valley to valley

Travel through appealing Alpine scenery with conifer woods, grasslands and some very impressive mountains on the way to a double overnight stop in the Mercantour National Park. The next highlight on the tour is up. Way up, at the top of the highest loop in the Alpine chain. Col de la Bonette stands at 8,907 feet above sea level. Grab that selfie and enjoy the ride down. Ah, the magic of the French Alps!

Our last day in France means... twisty Alpine Roads

The border between France and Italy is punctured by notable roads—small, very high, and traffic-free. Far from the congestion of the valleys, these roads take you to amazing heights. A picnic on a hillside, with a million-dollar view of the whole world spread at your feet, will put any restaurant patio seat to shame!

The Italian side of the Col Agnel

One of the most amazing things about the Alpine Adventure West is that now, many days and many miles into it, the riding continues to get better , and the scenery even more impressive. From the top of the Col Agnel the views seem to go for a hundred miles, south into Italy and north into France.

These are the sort of vistas that are inevitable to run across while riding in the mountains. The stunning aspect of the French Alps is the fact that they are everywhere . Day in and day out, not once, but dozens of times a day the only reaction one can manage is " wow !"

And like clockwork, on the way up the next pass, the Col d'Izoard, comes another " wow " moment when you come around the hairpin and the world opens up to a view that makes you feel quite small.

We are not done with France as yet. There is still the climb up the Col du Galibier for an up-high view of the remarkable glaciers of the Ecrins National Park. The road is quite a bit of fun, too! The highest Alpine pass to roll beneath your wheels is the Col de l'Iseran. Jet black rock outcroppings contrast with glistening blue glacial ice as you climb ever higher.

In 2023 Rob took Gretchen over the Cormet de Roseland for the first time. After 200,000 miles in the Alps, she is hard to impress, and she wasn't. Blown away better describes her reaction. She made it a personal mission to be sure we returned in 2024. (It's a tough job...)   ;)

Back to Switzerland

Hannibal's route though the Alps, 2,200 years ago , is a mystery hotly disputed by historians. In the interest of due diligence in following his trek we cross the delightful Petit St. Bernard into Italy, as it is a possible route used by the warrior, his legion, and his elephants.

It is certain that Napoleon made a winter crossing of the Grand St. Bernard. While we won't be crossing in the winter, we will follow his footsteps all the same. After all, having a theme for a day's ride is a great excuse for having fun.

We enter Switzerland once again on the north side of the Grand St. Bernard where a little detour, up an obscure "Rob road," gives us another chance to get away from traffic and simply enjoy motorcycling.

The top of the Grand St. Bernard Pass, in Napoleon's footsteps

The last two riding days are a romp through the Swiss Alps, with views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau off our shoulder, and great Swiss pavement under our tires. The most impressive passes in the entire country take you up, down, and up again through mountain scenery that is unforgettable!

Miles and miles of twisty roads, a spread of culture, architecture, food and scenery, and as always, the freedom of a Beach tour combine to make the Alpine Adventure West a challenging, delightful, big ride. It is one you will, quite rightfully, boast about for years to come.

The Alpine Adventure West

Tour dates & details.

September 8 ~ 22, 2024

August 24 ~ September 7, 2025

Begins / Ends

Zürich, Switzerland

Tour distance Min / Max

1800 miles / your choice

Free / rest days

Baden, Switzerland Talloires, France Autrans, France Barcelonnette, France

• Day 1 - Arrive Baden, Switzerland
• Day 2 - Baden, Free day
• Day 3 - Riquewihr, France
• Day 4 - Ornans, France
• Day 5 - Talloires, France
• Day 6 - Talloires, Free day
• Day 7 - Autrans, France
• Day 8 - Autrans, Free day
• Day 9 - Barcelonnette, France
• Day 10 - Barcelonnette, Free day
• Day 11 - Le Monêtier-les-Bains, France
• Day 12 - Beaufort, France
• Day 13 - Gruyères, Switzerland
• Day 14 - Baden, Switzerland
• Day 15 - Depart for home

Click on the map below to view the complete itinerary

Tour Prices

• Rider: $8,580
• Passenger: $6,110
• Single Room: $660
• Sports car driver: $6,360 (does not include auto rental)
• 14 nights in 2 to 5 star hotels
• All breakfasts, 11 dinners– includes a variety of a la carte, choice menu, fixed menu, and buffet style dinners.
• Non alcoholic beverages at dinner
• Airport Transfers
• Tour book detailing daily options & points of interest enroute
• Pre-programmed BMW Navigator VI GPS with turn by turn detail of all the daily route suggestions
• BMW Motorrad Certified Guide on a motorcycle
• Support van / driver for your luggage
• Custom duffel bag embroidered with your name and tour

Pricing Notes

• All Prices are in USD unless otherwise stated.
• Prices based on shared twin/double room. Single rooms available at extra charge.
• Rider price includes the choice of a BMW G310R, C650GT, F750GS, F800R, F850GS, F900R, R1200GS, or R1250GS motorcycle with unlimited mileage. Other models are available at additional cost. Find out more about the various models of BMW Motorcycles available for use on a Beach tour .
• Sports car Driver price (where available) does not include vehicle. Please see the list of convertibles and automobiles available for use on a Beach tour for details and prices on the automobiles available.

Not Included

• Alcoholic drinks
• Daily expenses
• Anything not listed in "Includes" under the tour prices

Motorcycles Available

Sports cars available, tour guides.

• Gretchen Beach
• Lefteris Bampaidis

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• Switzerland

19 Travellers rate this tour:

• Self-Guided tours

From € 1299

Clean air, beautiful roads and impressive passes combined with a wonderful hotel. Switzerland is the ultimate enjoyment!

• 5x Breakfast
• All day routes on GPS
• Detailed Roadbook
• Laundry room

Media of Switzerland

About this tour: Switzerland

Heavenly passes in an impressive landscape.

When people think of Switzerland, they often think of snow and skiing. But this breathtakingly beautiful mountain landscape is also a paradise for motorcyclists. The variety of passes is enormous and you won't have enough eyes to see all the beauty you're going to see: wooded mountain slopes, snow-capped peaks, rugged rock formations, clear lakes, grazing cows, villages, deep valleys, and much more. 

The outward journey (first day) and return journey (last day) you will drive on your own initiative.

Excellent hotel during your motorbike holiday in Switzerland

The hotel for the Switzerland trip is Kessler's Kulm in Davos-Wolfgang. This luxurious hotel consists of two buildings. Your room is spacious and has a toilet, bath or shower, various extras such as Wi-Fi and TV. If you choose a single room, these are located across the road in the annex. Please note that these single rooms are on the small side. Therefore, we do not charge a surcharge for these single rooms for this trip. The hotel has a cozy bar and lounge and a large outdoor terrace. The beautiful wellness area with sauna, steam room, and solarium is freely accessible and has a magnificent view of the mountains. The hotel also has its own gas station. Every day when you return to the hotel, you can refuel right in front of the door. This way, you can start your evening in a relaxed manner and hit the road directly the next day.

Day route 1: Splügen pass | 247 / 339 km

After a good breakfast, you will start the first day's route. Like all other days, you first ride through Davos. The first 40 km you ride on a main road with beautiful views. The long route takes a very winding road to the Obersee and Untersee in the town of Arosa. Here you can enjoy the beautiful views. On the way back, you'll pass a sign that says "still 322 bends to go!" This is what real motorcycling is all about! That afternoon, you'll pass the Mala Gorge, which is up to 300 meters deep and only a few meters wide in some places. Later, you'll tackle the narrow and challenging Splügen Pass (2,113m), crossing the border with Italy just before reaching the top. During the descent, you'll have a beautiful view of Lago di Montespluga. You'll return via two rugged passes.

Day route 2: Passo dello Stelvio | 261 / 297 km

At the beginning of the route, you will come across the Lai da Marmorera lake. This lake is located at an altitude of 1,681m and was created by a dam. The village of Marmorera is located in the lake and is named after it. Later, you will reach the Julier Pass (2,284m) and the Passo del Bernina (2,328m). The highest point of the Bernina mountain is over 4 km high, but unfortunately, you can't get there by motorcycle. After the Bernina Pass, you will enter the Parco Del Livignese through Passo Focola (2,315m). You will ride over the mountain in Livigno, from where you can see the town. Through Passo Foscagno (2,291m), you will enter the Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio, which includes the well-known Passo dello Stelvio (2,757m). For a long time, this was the highest paved pass in Europe. At the top of the pass, you have an impressive view of the 48 hairpin bends you will take on the way down. You will return via two other fun passes. Once you are back at the hotel, you will look back on the Stelvio, challenging but very cool to ride!

Day route 3: San Bernardino | 153 / 348 km

Today there is the choice of a short and a long route. For some, the San Bernardino is too far, which is why there is also a shorter route via Silvaplana. If you want to explore the area for a day or just want to relax, this is a good opportunity, even if you take the shorter Silvaplana route. On the long route, at the 100 km mark, you will take the San Bernardino pass (2,066m). It becomes a sport to drive the hairpin bends as smoothly as possible. Be aware of the postal buses, as they always have the right of way!

After this beautiful road, you will continue towards Biasca, where you will follow the route to the right up the Lukmanier pass (1,915m). On this pass, you will pass the Zervreila reservoir, which was dammed in 1957 and is nestled between three mountain peaks: Frunthorn (3,030m), Fanellhorn (3,124m), and Zervreilahorn (2,898m). The last part of the route is in the opposite direction from this morning. Another great day of driving with phenomenal views of the beautiful Swiss landscape. 

Dagroute 4: Samnaun – Reschenpass | 250 / 288 km

Today's route brings you over the Reschen Pass and the tax-free state of Samnaun. If you have already seen Samnaun or don't necessarily need to go there, choose the shorter route. Visiting Samnaun is the difference between the short and long routes. Today, you will quickly drive up the Albula Pass. It's a beautiful pass with a train track beside it that goes through several loops. The Swiss have built several magnificent arch bridges on this pass. In the afternoon, you will arrive in Samnaun, where you can shop tax-free and refuel cheaply. If you don't visit the town, the road to and from it is also worth the trip with its many twists and turns and narrow single-track tunnels. This is the only region in Switzerland where Tyrolean German is spoken. On the way back, you will drive via Lake Resia. This lake is known for the church tower that rises out of the water from the former village (Alt) Graun, which was flooded with the construction of the reservoir.

Extra day route: Andermatt | 415 km

Would you like to stay an extra day? There is another beautiful day route of 415 km. This route takes you along a few more beautiful passes in the area, such as the Andermatt and Gotthard Pass. At the halfway point of the route, there is an option to deviate from the route. Then you will have driven another 200 beautiful kilometers before heading home. Please let us know in the commentfield of the bookingsprocess if you would like to stay an extra day. 

Dates and prices

Usually between May and September 

The above prices are per person

Reviews of our travellers

Review of Switzerland

Very much enjoyed the trip. Beautiful roads. Had the misfortune on rain, but that made the mountains all the more interesting. Hotels good, food fine. Next trip I will also arra...

As expected again well organized but very unfortunate that hotel absolutely does not offer what is promised. The routes were again super but next time I will really better inform a...

Review of Groepsreis Zwitserland

Combination trip Austria and Switzerland (individual) With 8 people we made the trip. It was great! In Austria we had an alternative hotel in Lienz, which was incredibly beautiful...

It was the first time for us to book a trip with Horizon Motor Travel. We chose the individual trip to Switzerland. We added the extra nights on the outward journey in Ettenheim an...

Wonderful vacation, good hotel,friendly staff, beautiful routes, really recommended. To be repeated!

Nice vacation, just too bad you have to pay extra for a ‘1 person room when it's just a 1 person room  

Just returned from a week in Davos Switzerland via Horizon. Outbound via Black Forest and return via the Vosges (cobbled together myself). Nice hotel in Davos (Kessler's ...

My father-in-law and I took our Kawasaki's Z800 to Switzerland from September 9 to 17. We included the extra nights in Ringsheim and Interlaken. This was the second time we booked ...

Super fine organized trip through beautiful Switzerland with Horizon motorcycle travel. Hotel Kulm is a top. Great starting point and top care. Also the motorcycle safely in the ga...

Get back yesterday from a wonderful organized trip to Switzerland.  We have been to many countries and this country is in the top 5.. If you're used to the Eifel or Austria ...

I have several arguments why I recommend Horizon Motor Travel's group tours.. First, the hotels have been chosen with care which is evidenced by the delicious food and lovely staf...

This was my 1st time joining a group motorcycle trip which was very pleasing. I really enjoyed the Switzerland trip. Very nice routes, good hotel and beautiful weather. Super that ...

Delightful it was nice passes over bumping great

My first experience with Horizon Motor Travel én my first experience with a group trip.This was excellent for me !  A very nice group, good hotel, nice routes and a goo...

It was my first motorcycle vacation and also my first time with Horizon Motor Travel. It was a great week in Davos Switzerland, I will definitely book a motorcycle trip through Ho...

Top trip had. Great routes, good food and drink.excellently organized

Hallo Petra and John,The end of August we went to Davos for a week, we have been a few times before, but still in the previous hotel, but this one is also perfect, nice and helpful...

Pictures from travellers

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Alps Tours By Moto-Charlie

• START HERE – TOURS, DATES AND BASICS
• FRENCH ALPS LOOP – The Highest of the High Passes
• ALPS SELECT (SWISS ALPS and ITALIAN DOLOMITES Tour)
• TOTALLY SWITZERLAND – The Perfect Escape
• ESSENTIAL ALPS – Must Ride Tour
• AWESOME AUSTRIA – Keep on Riding Tour
• TOP 10+ (10 Highest Passes + 50 to 70 More Passes)
• Customized and Self-Guided Tours
• About the Cost
• Motorcycles
• Testimonials
• Photo Album
• - START HERE - TOURS, DATES AND BASICS
• - FRENCH ALPS LOOP – The Highest of the High Passes
• - ALPS SELECT (SWISS ALPS and ITALIAN DOLOMITES Tour)
• - TOTALLY SWITZERLAND – The Perfect Escape
• - ESSENTIAL ALPS – Must Ride Tour
• - AWESOME AUSTRIA – Keep on Riding Tour
• - TOP 10+ (10 Highest Passes + 50 to 70 More Passes)
• - Customized and Self-Guided Tours
• - About the Cost
• - Testimonials
• - Links
• - Photo Album
• - Terms

This trip is for people who want a rider's ride to the highest of the high. A lot of tour companies refer to their tour as the "High Alps" or the "Extreme Challenge" or some such name but they never really get to the high stuff. This tour does.

My "Alps Select" tour picks the crème de la crème of Alpine riding for tour members and serves them up a hearty helping of Stelvio and Gavia and a tasty desert of Italian Alpine lake experience.

This tour is about enjoying Austria with a focus on riding. We spend 6 nights in Austria and we cover much of the Alpine spine that runs through it from east to west and back again.

Join me for an amazing journey covering all my personal favorite must-do Alps riding, including the beautiful Andermatt region to the incredible Dolomites and all the spectacular passes in between.

The French Alps are a little more remote, the towns and villages more spread out and the services are  further apart. But it also has the really HIGH stuff, good road surfaces, a motorcycle friendly culture and excellent dinner wine - basically everything you could ask for and then some.

On this tour we ride roads and passes that many tours never go over, we enjoy well-known sweeping 2-lane passes and many smaller 1-lane passes rarely visited by North Americans. Even some Swiss riders haven't gone over them.

I can act as your personal guide if you have a small group looking to enjoy your own special tour. I would also be glad to assist you in organizing your own Self-Guided adventure.

Welcome to my website. I provide guided motorcycle tours of the Alps in Europe. We focus on the mountains of Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland .

If you want to skip to the important info click here >>>   TOURS, DATES AND BASICS

I started Alps Tours more than 25 years ago because I love to ride AND I love the Alps. I enjoy sharing more than 35+ years of Alpine riding wanderlust with my Tour members . More than 450 riders have toured with me to date – many are repeat Tour Members.

• My simple focus has always been on the riding. I was one of the very first tour providers to offer guided “stripped down” tours – no chase vehicles, no extraneous pampering and no fancy tour paraphernalia.
• With my tours you get personal service with a friendly, relaxed approach, brand new motorcycles, quality hotels, fantastic roads, unbelievable scenery and great comradery all at a tour-on-your-own price.

“I was looking for a tour that was a small group of experienced riders staying at local hotels, eating at local restaurants and all the back/small road riding one could fit into a day. The key ingredient was an experienced tour leader so I could mindlessly enjoy the entire alpine riding experience never looking at a map or thinking about accommodations/meals. This tour met all my expectations.”

Barry B – Ontario Canada

“From the beginning, I knew Charlie was very well organized and a good communicator. During the tour, Charlie’s many years of riding in the Alps were obvious. He knew the roads like he lives there. How he even found some of the roads we drove I don’t know. His ability to remember places, roads, and routes was amazing. If anyone is considering touring in the Alps, I would highly recommend you check out Moto-Charlie.”

Rick R – Minnesota USA

Final Thought – I love the Alps. I love the roads, the mountain views, the food, the culture, and the motorcycle friendly environment. Everyone who rides the Alps knows that it is Motorcycle Heaven. The expression “It doesn’t get any better than this” must have originated on an Alps motorcycle tour .

• Description
• What is included?

Let's go touring…

Swiss alps self guided motorcycle holiday.

Swiss Alps self-guided motorcycle-tour. From the heart of the Alps with Love.

Our Swiss Alps self-guided motorcycle-tour is tailor-made for those who enjoy exploring and riding in the mountains.

One customer asked an interesting question during one of the motorcycle shows. It was “Why is Switzerland so much better than other destinations”? The question caught us by surprise a bit. The only answer we could give was, “Well… it just is”. And after all these years of touring this beautiful country, the answer is still the same… “It just is”.

Many things make this beautiful Alpine country so unique and attractive as a top holiday destination. However, for us motorcyclists, it’s really narrowed down to very a shortlist. It is mainly breathtaking scenery as well as tourist attractions and Alpine culture. But above all, it is the glass-smooth tarmac, and exhilarating mountain passes.

Some other Alpine countries might have more mountain passes and biking routes. However, the Swiss ones have the most stunning impact. Your tour itinerary includes some of the most jaw-dropping as well as challenging biking routes in the Alps.

There is a ride up Furka as well as the Grimsel pass. They were immortalised by the car chase scene in James Bond’s Goldfinger. This hairpin-filled ride also affords breathtaking views of the magnificent Rhone glacier and surrounding mountain peaks.

With its beautifully cambered bends and few switchbacks, Flüela is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable passes. It allows you, the rider, to take in the views and enjoy the scenery. Whereas, in contrast, the short but testing Ofen pass might be a more demanding but equally rewarding ride.

The twisty Maloja pass allows you to have a great ride as well as espresso by Lake Como. And finally, one ride that pops up in most conversations among motorcyclists is certainly one of the best. The roller coaster ride up the legendary Stelvio as well as Skelter Helter ride down the ‘spaghetti bowl’ Umbrail pass.

One of the best things about Switzerland is that it is a true melting pot of motorcycling experiences. Therefore, it wouldn’t do any justice to this fantastic tour to attribute single stardom to mountain passes alone. The Swiss Alps are also home to some of the most renowned as well as spectacular attractions in the world. From your biker-friendly base hotels in Interlaken and Sankt Moritz, you’ll be able to visit many of them.

You can visit the elegant Oberhofen Castle as well as its English gardens. Trümmelbach waterfall that tumbles and cascades down inside the mountain is near as well. Furthermore, take a cable car to Schilthorn. Another structure made famous by yet another James Bond movie, “On Her Majesty’s Secret”. It overlooks the entire valley and offers stunning views of the three highest peaks; Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. It is also a great place to have lunch at the famous Piz Gloria 360° revolving restaurant. 

The cable cars and mountain trains are extraordinary feats of engineering. They show ingenious ways of living in harmony with mountains. On some of them, even the heated seats are designed to accommodate the angle of the slopes.

With its charming mountain atmosphere and glamorous reputation, Sankt Moritz is the top tourist attraction in its own right. It is also a perfect base to explore the Engadin valley as well as to ride spectacular mountain passes.

Once you return from this self guided motorcycle holiday, you will realise why Switzerland is better than many other motorcycle destinations. The… “it just is” still might remain a mystery, but somehow it will make perfect sense!

For more day-to-day information about the Swiss Alps self-guided motorcycle-tour, please spend some time studying the tour itinerary below.

For an alternative to the Swiss Alps self-guided motorcycle-tour, please use this link: Swiss and Austrian Alps self guided motorcycle holiday.

If you require a motorcycle rental for the Swiss Swiss Alps self-guided motorcycle-tour please get in touch with our partner,  RoadTrip .

Please visit our  Facebook page for up-to-date information regarding the Swiss Alps self-guided motorcycle-tour.

Tour highlights:

When to go:, motorcycle rental:, day by day tour itinerary.

This day is the start of your Swiss Alps self-guided motorcycle-tour. Your morning Euro-Tunnel crossing is followed by a relaxing motorway ride to Reims. In the afternoon, you will ride through the lush French countryside, passing via numerous sleepy little towns and villages. 

Sézanne is a traditional provincial town with cobbled streets and a big Norman church in the town centre. It is also an excellent place to stop for a drink. Your comfortable hotel in Troyes is only a short distance from the town centre. The main square is designed in the shape of a champagne cork and branches out to many medieval cobbled streets and narrow alleys.

It also has a bustling bar and restaurant scene, making it a perfect place to celebrate your first night of the tour with a glass or two of bubbly. A long tradition of wine and champagne making will be evident everywhere around you.

Today you will continue the Swiss Alps self-guided motorcycle-tour and head towards the lakeside town of Interlaken. You’ll ride through the French countryside along some beautiful highways and byways. 

As you approach the Doubs Nature Park, you can stop for lunch in Goumois. It is a small border town on the river Doubs.  The restaurant has a lovely terrace overlooking the river and the bridge over it.

Continuing your ride through the rolling hills, green pastures, dense forests and eventually mountains, you’ll arrive at your comfortable hotel in Interlaken. It is a fantastic base for seeing some of the best of Switzerland’s magnificent scenery while enjoying the comforts of a modern and yet traditional lakeside town.

You’ll be surrounded by tourist attractions and spoiled for choice. There are countless boat tours on Lakes Thun and Brienz. You can also opt for some thrilling train journeys and funicular rides to the spectacular surrounding mountain peaks. 

Today the choice is yours. You might opt to follow our suggested itinerary and visit the magnificent Oberhofen Castle. Or you are free to create your own agenda. 

Dating from the fifteenth century, Oberhofen Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in the Alpine region. It is furnished with period antique furniture, personal artefacts and carpets. It is also decorated with the most impressive paintings and murals. The castle is set in one of the most magnificent gardens in Europe. 

To extend your day trip, you can continue your ride around the lake Thun and head towards Lauterbrunnen. Here you can visit Trümmelbach waterfalls that tumble and cascade down inside the mountain. 

Another option here is to take a cable car to Schilthorn – featured in the James Bond movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret”.  It overlooks the entire valley and offers the most stunning views of the three highest peaks – Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. It is also a great place to have lunch at the famous Piz Gloria 360° revolving restaurant. 

This is about the halfway point of your Swiss Alps self-guided motorcycle-tour. And, today, except for the mileage, everything else is big. It’s a big ride, big mountains, big passes, big glaciers and hopefully a big lunch. You’ll arrive here via two big passes. The Furka and Grimsel are back to back ascents and descents. It will provide you with a few hours of guaranteed smiles on your face. 

Both passes have many convenient places to stop and take photos. Also, on your way up Furka pass, you can stop and take a walk inside the glacier tunnel. This is an excellent place to have “the big lunch” as well. The mountain scenery around here, for some reason, appears to be more stunning than anywhere else in the Alps.

If you remember, when you get to Furka pass, have a look downhill over the car park barrier. There is a colony of jolly marmots forever disciplining the youngsters or sorting out their family disputes. 

You’ll arrive at your hotel just in time to get ready for an evening meal.

The Swiss Alps and the Engadin valley, in particular, are a place of outstanding beauty, mountain charm and unrivalled biking roads. However, today it is usually all about one specific ride. 

You can take a ride over the Ofen pass to the medieval town of Glorenza. From here, you can extend your trip and ride the mighty Stelvio pass. At this point, you’ll have a choice of taking a shorter route and descend via the twisty Umbrail pass back to Switzerland. Or you can opt to stay on the Italian side and extend your ride. This route will take you back via the glitzy ski resort of Bormio and the town of Tirano.

In an instance, the weather is not that good; you can turn in the opposite direction and ride to Lago di Como via Maloja pass. 

Whichever way you decide to point your bike, you’ll end up with a great ride.

From Switzerland, you’ll continue the Swiss Alps self-guided motorcycle-tour. Your journey is a mixture of mountain passes and country roads, some big and some small and some fast and some slow. 

You’ll start with a morning ride over the twisty but enjoyable Flüela pass.  On a nice day, it is worth stopping on top of the pass to have a coffee on a terrace overlooking a mountain lake. From here, you’ll descend towards Davos, slowly leaving the Alps behind you. For the rest of the day, you’ll wiggle your way through the Swiss countryside and cross the border with Germany.

You’ll arrive at your hotel in the Black Forest just in time to have a drink before dinner. Time permitting, you can pop to Titisee for a little stroll or a short boat ride around the lake. 

If you wish, extra days can be arranged to extend your stay in the Black Forest.

Once again, country-hopping is the order of the day. You’ll leave Germany by riding towards the Roman spa town of Baden-Baden. Then you’ll cross the border and briefly enter France. 

The last few days of your journey might feel like a Grand Tour of European bakeries. But the bakery La Minzbrueck in Scheibenhardt is one of our regular lunch stops.  It serves the best fitness chicken salad ever. Also, one portion would easily feed a small army. This is where it gets interesting; if the bakery car park is busy, you can park your bike in France, cross the river and have your lunch in Germany. How international is that? 

From here, you’ll spend the rest of the day crossing Germany. Just before the end of the ride, you’ll cross yet another border and arrive at your hotel in Luxembourg.

Even good things must come to an end. So does this fantastic Swiss Alps self guided motorcycle holiday.

Enjoy your final day’s ride back to the UK, and we hope that you’ll RideWithUs again next year.

What's included?

What our customers say.

“Just a quick note to thank you guys for a really fantastic trip. See you next year.”

Lake Geneva Motorcycle Tour - A Guided Motorcycle Tour

Swiss border, switzerland, bed breakfast and dinner in quality hotels, this 5 day, 4 night swiss french motorcycle tour with 3 days riding in centred around geneva, switzerland and crosses the border regularly to and from france using generally twisty and at times technically challenging mountain roads that most bikers will love., on this guided tour you will ride some of the best motorcycle routes starting from swiss border, we have not set dates for this tour yet and there may have added a new variant, so, check our tour diary. if you are interested in this tour or something similar then please contact us and we shall set a date, alternatively, browse our upcoming tours to see what's new., contact us to discuss your bespoke tour requirements..

Our base for this motorcycle tour is the 4 Star Best Western Porte Sud De Geneve. Sitting on the edge of the A40 on the French side of the border it affords great transport links and allows us to rapidly escape the city and venture into the surrounding countryside for each of the three days riding.

The 84 roomed hotel was built in 2003 and has spacious rooms and excellent leisure facilities including indoor swimming pool, steam room, sauna and a well-equipped gym

It takes about 15 minutes by taxi to reach the hotel from the Airport and central Geneva can be easily reached by public transport for those wishing to accompany riders but not wanting to take part in the tour.

Look at this itinerary and discover some of the most interesting motorcycle routes in switzerland

Geneva sightseeing

You will simply not run out of things to do in and around Geneva in a week let alone a day so plan your route well to see as much as possible in the available time. Anything you missed you can probably catch when we return hear at the end of the tour.

Our hotel is rated 4 star and is just on the outskirts of the city making it ideal for parking whilst being within easy reach of all Geneva has to offer.

Geneva, Flumet, St Etienne-de-Cuines, Sevrier (200 miles)

After a short break we continue south towards Beaufort then west to Albertville the further south to reach Saint Etienne-de-Cuines where we break for lunch. This small town main employer is a past factory and as you might expect the surrounding countryside is largely agricultural with a fair amount of sport fishing occurring along the river. Although that does not necessarily mean fish on a bed of pasta for lunch!

After lunch we begin our journey back north to Geneva making a stop at Servier on the western shore of Lake Annecy before returning to the hotel.

This route is mixed riding along some minor and very twisty roads in the earlky part of the rode and wider but still twisty roads in the later part of the day. Expect to be in the saddle for close to 6 hours.

Geneva, Morbier, Baume-les-Messieurs, Bellegarde (170 miles)

This circuit from Geneva into the Juras stops at Morbier, Cascades du Herisson (waterfals), Baume-les-Messieurs and Bellegarde

we continue to "cascades du Hérisson" which area a set of 31 waterfalls on the river "Le Hérisson" (Hedgehog) you can spend a lot of time here but we only plan a short visit before proceeding to Baume-les-Messieurs where we shall break for lunch. Baume-les-Messieurs is located at the foot of high rugged cliffs in the Jura plateau and is ranked among the most beautiful villages in France. The major sites in the area are the Abbey and the caves.

The return journey takes us past Lons-le-Saunier, through forests and across the river l'Ain to Bellegarde where the Valserine and the Rhone merge. There is a sixty-metre-deep geologic fault just to the north of Bellegarde into which the Rhone River used to disappear during the dry season but the creation of the Genissiat dam for the hydroelectric station has altered the course of the river; however; a similar feature called pertes de la Valserine still exists in the same area. We take our afternoon refreshment break here and you can examine these local features.

The final leg of this route brings us along the Rhone and back to Geneva.

Geneva, Lac du Joux, Fribourg, Montreux (210 miles)

We depart Geneva and take the northern shore of Lake Geneva to Perroy where we climb into the mountains towards l'Abbey on the western shore of Lac du Joux where we stop for morning coffee.

We follow the course of the Sarine south to Lake Gruyere and then back to Lake Geneva where we rest at Montreux on the Eastern shore of the lake.

We end our days trip largely following the southern shore line of Lake Geneva back to the hotel having spent close to 7 hours riding we can relax in the hotel leisure facility.

Route Variation

Please note that maps are indicative because it is not always possible to enter all the waypoints and on the day of departure as we need to review our routes based upon the latest traffic and weather information available making changes as and when necessary.

Further details

Parties interested in this tour should get in touch now to intimate interest via our Enquiries Form or email [email protected] or phone +44(0)141 416 0230

Switzerland Motorcycle Rentals and Tours

Welcome to our recommended motorcycle rental and tour companies for Switzerland.

Motorcycle Rental and Tour Companies in  Switzerland

Please contact the companies listed on this page directly for more information.

Moto-Plaisir Geneva

“ Moto-Plaisir Geneva is perfectly situated between the French and Swiss Alps so you can quickly hit Europe’s most beautiful roads. Moto-Plaisir offer over 30 motorcycle models for every taste and budget, with full service and gear so you can have an incredible trip. “

Services:  Motorcycle rental, self-guided and guided tours, motorcycle gear rental, airport transfer service, support vehicle and custom tours.

Rental bikes: Moto-Plaisir offer the latest models from BMW, Harley-Davidson, Triumph, KTM, Honda, Ducati, MV Agusta and Moto Guzzi. All bikes come fully equipped with luggage cases or bags depending on the model.  

Rental prices:  Prices start from 89 euros per day for a Honda CB500X and range up to 219 euros for the Goldwing and BMW GS models. Visit their rentals page for more info. 

Tours: There’s a wide range of guided and self-guided tours throughout the Swiss, French and Italian Alps as well as the Dolomites. Tours run from 2 to 8 days and include luggage, insurance, loaded GPS, roadside assistance, accommodation, breakfast and dinner etc. Visit their tours page for more info. 

Insurance: Full insurance is included.

Kit availability:  Helmets and full riding gear are available to rent on request as well as rain suits, GPS and phone mounts. 

Magellan Motorcycle Tours

“Magellan prides itself on the best customer service in the industry. We treat our customers as if they were a part of our family.”

Services:  Guided, self-guided, private and custom motorcycle tours throughout the UK, Switzerland, Europe, North America and Cuba. Customers can use either a rental bike provided by Magellan or use their own bike on any of their tour services. 

Rental bikes:  A wide range of machines from the latest BMW R 1250 GS to the Ducati Multistrada 950 and Yamaha MT-09 Tracer. 

Rental prices: From £92 per day (rental bikes are included in the USA tours).

Tours: Tours start from £995. Check out their handy world map page to see what’s on offer. 

Insurance: Yes, if renting. 

Kit availability: No.

Check out Felix’s guide to Austria: 6 Things to do on an Austria Motorcycle Tour

FAQs on  Switzerland  Motorcycle Rentals and Tours

No, sorry. Mad or Nomad do not offer any rentals, tours or services. Please contact the companies listed on this page directly. 

This page displays motorcycle rental and tour companies from around the world. We do a lot of research into these companies before adding them and speak to the managers and owners. Many of the companies we have also used in the past or have met the owners while travelling.

While we have collected them all together in one place for your ease, we take no responsibility in your business with them. We’re simply showcasing companies in one easy-to-use place and are not involved with your dealings with them. Any business you have with these companies is at your own risk. We will not be held liable or responsible in any way.   

The best time to rent a motorcycle or join a tour in Switzerland is between May and October. 

Take a video on your phone of the entire bike, do a walk around and film the condition of the chain, fairings, tyres, any bumps, dents and scratches. By doing so, you can’t get caught out and blamed for something you didn’t do when you return it.

Check the wheel bearings, chain, oil, coolant, brakes, clutch and that the handlebars are straight. Tyres need a decent amount of tread and should be suitable for the terrain you’re riding in. Take it for a short test ride and don’t feel pressured or rushed. Go with your gut and if there’s anything that catches your eye, speak to the owners immediately.

This is down to personal preference, where you’re riding and what’s available. If you’re renting or joining a motorcycle tour in the States and you’re going to be primarily on road, then you may want to opt for a big touring bike. If you’re headed to rural or mountainous countries and are going off-road in Central Asia for example, then go for a mid-weight single-cylinder. 

We usually find lighter and cheaper rental bikes are better because they’re less stress, you don’t have to worry about dropping them all the time, are easier to fix and more fun.

For more info on choosing the right motorcycle for your trip, have a look at the below guide and also check out the adventure bikes page too. 

• How to Choose Your Adventure Motorcycle
• Adventure Motorcycle Guides

We recommend lightweight and comfortable gear suitable for the climate you’re travelling in. If you’re heading to a particularly cold place, then go for Gore-Tex pro laminate. 

But, the best all-round option is ventilated, light and comfy adventure bike gear. Take the thermal and waterproof liners out and leave them at home. Take a cheap pair of waterproof throwovers and a compressible down jacket that can be stuffed into a small bag. You can use both items as layering if it’s cold and rainy and they double up when off the bike and will reduce the amount of gear you have to take with you in your luggage. 

It’s always better to take your own bike gear over renting or using kit from the rental company. You know your own stuff fits, works and is comfortable – especially your helmet. The last thing you want is to get a few days into your trip and get a headache from a tight lid. 

Check out our riding gear article for more info on how to choose the right clothing and the guides section for our recommended kit. 

• How to Choose Your Adventure Riding Gear
• Adventure Bike Riding Gear Guides

Contact the rental or tour company and ask what luggage the bike comes with. Your bike might come with soft bags, hard boxes, a top box or nothing at all. 

You can often leave the gear you don’t want to take with you on the trip at the rental or tour company’s headquarters. So you can travel on a plane with a larger kit bag and just take the bag and gear you need on the bike. 

The type of luggage you need depends on the type of trip you’re on, how much off-roading you’re doing and how long you’re going for. 

A good option is to go for a waterproof duffle bag and a pair of Rok Straps as this type of luggage setup can be fastened to any bike’s pillion seat and you don’t need racks. And take an additional small and light rucksack for your important gear (camera, passport etc) so you don’t have to worry about it when off the bike. 

For more info on choosing your motorcycle luggage, check out our guide page below.

READ MORE: Adventure Bike Luggage Guides

Companies may offer motorcycle insurance as an optional extra, include it in the price or not offer it at all. This again depends on the country you’re riding in. 

It’s worth getting insurance if you can and ask what the excess is as you will usually be liable for damage to the bike. 

Motorcycle insurance is separate from personal travel insurance. This is incredibly important and you need to be very careful when choosing your personal insurance policy because the fine print often won’t cover you for bikes over 125cc, renting, touring or using a bike as your main mode of transport.

Check out our Admin section as you’ll find detailed guides on personal insurance, paperwork and safety on the road. 

READ MORE: Admin Guides

Read more on Motorcycle Travel in Switzerland and Europe

Thanks for checking out our Switzerland Motorcycle Rental and Tour Companies post. We hope you found what you were looking for. Here’s a few more articles on motorcycling in Europe that we recommend you read next. 

Click here for all of our Europe Motorcycle Travel Guides

Motorcycle Travel Guide: Europe

Tips for Planning a European Motorcycle Tour

Motorcycle Touring for Beginners

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